Tatami in Japan: History, Health Benefits & Modern Culture

Introduction — What Is Tatami?

Tatami is a traditional Japanese flooring material and a symbol of the Japanese-style room. Its surface, called tatami-omote, is woven from rush (igusa). The core, known as tatami-doko, serves as the foundation, while the edges, called tatami-beri, are finished with cloth that provides both durability and decorative appeal.

In Japanese homes, tatami has always served a role beyond that of simple flooring. It has been a place for rest, for hospitality, and even a space reflecting spiritual values. While people abroad may see it as a “soft, pleasantly scented mat,” in reality tatami is a cultural symbol that embodies Japanese lifestyle, aesthetics, and harmony with nature.

The Basic Structure of Tatami

Tatami-omote (Surface Layer)

Traditionally, the surface of tatami is woven from rush (igusa). Its fresh scent provides a relaxing effect and also helps regulate humidity. In recent years, tatami-omote made from washi paper or synthetic resin has emerged, offering greater durability and resistance to mold.

Tatami-doko (Core Layer)

The core of tatami was traditionally made by layering and compressing rice straw. Today, many types use wooden boards or foam materials, making them lighter and improving insulation.

Tatami-beri (Cloth Border)

Tatami-beri is the cloth that lines the edges of tatami, serving both decorative and reinforcing purposes. Historically, its patterns and colors reflected social rank, with certain designs reserved for high-ranking samurai or aristocrats. Today, it can be freely chosen, with character motifs and modern designs also gaining popularity.

Tatami Sizes and Regional Variations

Tatami does not have a uniform size nationwide; its dimensions vary by region. The most common types are as follows:

• Kyōma (Honma): approx. 191 cm × 95.5 cm (common in the Kansai region and others)
• Edoma (Kantōma): approx. 176 cm × 88 cm (common in the Kantō region)
• Chūkyōma: approx. 182 cm × 91 cm (common in the Tōkai region)
• Danchima: approx. 170 cm × 85 cm (commonly used in apartment housing)

Even when both are described as a “6-tatami room,” there is a significant difference in size between Kyōma and Edoma, which can sometimes cause confusion in real estate listings.

The History of Tatami

Nara to Heian Period (710–1185 CE)

The origin of tatami dates back to the Nara period. At that time, tatami was not the thick flooring we know today but rather thin woven mats stacked and used as seating or bedding. References to “tatami” can be found in documents such as the Engishiki, and it was used exclusively among the imperial court and the aristocracy.

Muromachi Period (1336–1573 CE)

During the Muromachi period, with the development of the shoin-zukuri architectural style, tatami began to be laid across entire rooms. This marked the origin of the modern Japanese-style room and became closely linked with the rise of samurai culture and the practice of tea ceremony. It was also during this time that distinctions in social status based on tatami-beri patterns were established.

Edo Period (1603–1868 CE)

In the Edo period, tatami became widespread among the common people. Samurai residences, merchants’ houses, and even farmers’ homes began to use tatami, making the Japanese-style room the standard in housing. From then on, tatami became firmly established as the foundation of Japanese daily life.

Tatami and Japanese Living

The Culture of Measuring Room Size in Tatami

In Japan, expressions such as “6-jō” or “8-jō” (tatami mats) are still commonly used. This unit is directly tied to a sense of daily living, providing a tangible image of space that square meters or square feet cannot convey.

The Versatility of the Washitsu (Tatami Room)

A tatami room can serve as a bedroom, a living room, or a guest room. With futons laid out, it becomes a place to sleep; when cleared, it turns into a space for family gatherings. Tatami also plays an important role in tea rooms and temples, supporting spaces for ceremonies and spiritual practice.

Tatami-beri as a Marker of Social Status

Historically, strict rules governed the patterns of tatami-beri. The most prestigious design, ungen-beri, was reserved for the emperor and the shogun’s household, while commoners were limited to plain or hemp borders. Thus, tatami was not only flooring but also a reflection of social order.

The Health Benefits of Tatami

Tatami offers a variety of benefits for both body and mind. One of the most widely felt is the relaxing effect of the scent of igusa (rush). Compounds contained in igusa have effects similar to forest bathing, and the gentle fragrance that spreads through the room as soon as you enter helps calm the mind. Igusa is also known for its air-purifying ability, as it can absorb harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde, helping to keep the indoor air clean.

In addition, tatami functions as a natural humidity regulator, absorbing or releasing moisture depending on changes in the environment. During the rainy season, it helps reduce dampness, while in the dry winter months it provides gentle moisture, creating a comfortable atmosphere much like a natural air conditioner.

Another important aspect is the gentle resilience of tatami. Unlike hardwood flooring, it is not overly hard, and unlike carpets, it does not sink in too deeply. This balance eases the strain on the legs and back, while also providing reassurance that babies or the elderly are less likely to be seriously injured if they fall. These qualities are among the reasons why tatami has long been used in martial arts dōjō for practices such as judo and kendo.

Regional Variations in Tatami Culture

Ryūkyū Tatami

Originating in Okinawa, Ryūkyū tatami is characterized by its borderless design and often square shape. It is made from a durable grass called shichitōi (seven-islands rush), giving it excellent strength. Today, it is also popular as a modern design element.

Yatsushiro, Kumamoto

The main production area of igusa, accounting for about 90% of Japan’s domestic share, and renowned for its high quality.

Contemporary Tatami

Tatami made with washi paper or resin, offering a wide range of colors, has also emerged, creating a “new tatami culture” that combines both design and functionality.

Modern Challenges and Reappraisal of Tatami Culture

Decline of Washitsu (Tatami Rooms)

With the spread of Western-style housing and flooring, it has become increasingly common for new homes to be built without a washitsu (tatami room).

Decline in Tatami Artisans

The aging of tatami craftsmen and the shortage of successors have made the preservation of traditional techniques a pressing challenge.

The Movement to Reevaluate Tatami

On the other hand, there is growing popularity for wa-modern homes and “okitatami” (movable tatami), as well as increasing demand for tatami overseas. In hotels and ryokan, guest rooms with tatami are especially well received by international visitors.

Tatami Culture from an International Perspective

People overseas often have a favorable impression of tatami, describing it as “pleasantly scented,” “soft,” and “comfortable.” It is sometimes used in spaces for yoga or meditation, and incorporated into interior design. However, some express concerns about the difficulty of obtaining authentic tatami and the effort required for maintenance.

Conclusion — Tatami as a Symbol of Japanese Culture

Tatami has existed since the Nara period, spread through the Heian and Muromachi periods, and became common among the general population in the Edo period. Although its presence has been declining today, it is being reevaluated for its health benefits, design appeal, and cultural significance.

Tatami is not merely flooring, but a crystallization of nature, craftsmanship, and aesthetic sensibility that Japan takes pride in.

CoCoRo編集部

サービス業支援メディア運営チーム

CoCoRo編集部は、「感謝の気持ちをカタチにする」ことをテーマに、サービス業界における新しい価値創造を目指す情報発信チームです。​デジタルギフティングや従業員エンゲージメントの向上に関する最新トレンド、導入事例、業界インタビューなど、現場で役立つ実践的なコンテンツをお届けしています。​おもてなしの心をデジタルでつなぐCoCoRoの世界観を、より多くの方々に知っていただくため、日々情報を発信しています。​