Tatami (畳) are an essential part of Japan’s culture. They are a must in every traditional Japanese room. In older Japanese homes, all the rooms or at least one is tatami-laid. While used less in more modern homes and apartments, everyone visiting Japan should know about tatami.
Table of Contents
- All About Tatami: History, Size and Layout
- Breakdown of Tatami: Material, Usage and Characteristics
- Taking Care of Tatami
- Useful Information for Buying Tatami
- Takeaway
All About Tatami: History, Size and Layout
History and Origin
Tatami is unique to Japan. Its origins can be traced back to the 700s with mentions of Tatami in the Kojiki, a historical record written in the early 700s. It was surmised that before the current tatami mat form came to be, the earlier forms of tatami were more akin to cushions or piled rugs. Only around the Heian Period did it gain its mat form.
Before tatami became available to the masses in the Edo Period, they were limited to upper class people (royalty and nobles) and teahouses only. A new form of architecture called Sukiya Zukuri (数奇屋造) centered around bringing out the best of tatami was created. In the 17th century, with tatami entering the general market, a new industry of tatami specialty shops and tatami master artisans was formed.
Although older houses have tatami flooring, the time consuming maintenance of tatami became hard to overlook. From reducing to only 1 tatami room an apartment/house, the past century has seen a marked increase in newly built or renovated residential housings having 0 tatami rooms and opting for hardwood or “soft” wood flooring.
※ Japan Tourism Industry Promotion Assoc., “History of Tatami”
Tatami Mat Sizes
Although tatami mat sizes are fairly standard, do note that the standard differs by region. Generally though, they can be divided into 5 size groups:
Kyo-ma / Honma
Area: Originated from Kyoto - Kansai, Chugoku, and Kyushu
Size: 191cm x 95.5cm or 1.82 square meter
Edo-ma
Area: Kanto, Tohoku, Hokkaido
Size: 176cm x 88cm or 1.55 square meter
Chuukyo-ma
Area: Aichi, Tokai, Okinawa
Size: 182cm x 91cm or 1.65 square meter
Danchi-ma
Area: Nationwide, mainly apartments and “mansions”
Size: 170cm x 85cm or 1.44 square meter
61-ma
Area: Hiroshima, Okayama, Sannin Region
Size: 185cm x 92.5cm or 1.71 square meter
※ Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., "Tatami" ※ Renoco, “Tatami Sizes”
Tatami Layout: Does it Matter?
In present time not really, but in olden days starting the Edo period, tatami layouts could be separated into 2 categories; Auspicious (祝儀敷き) and Inauspicious (不祝儀敷き).
Auspicious layouts where the mats are laid out to form a “T” shape were used in regular houses as well as auspicious celebrations like weddings. Whereas inauspicious layouts, where the mats are arranged to form horizontal or vertical grids, were laid during funerals or at temples to ward off bad luck.
※ Cornell University, "Auspicious Tatami Mat Arrangements" ※ Torimatsu Tatami, “畳の敷き方にもルールがある！具体例を広さ別に紹介”
Tatami as a Unit of Measurement
In Japan, tatami is also used as a unit to indicate room size. In such cases, the Kanji for tatami 畳 would be read as "-jyou". You will notice this when apartment hunting in Japan. Keep in mind the different region tatami sizes apply to -jyou.
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Breakdown of Tatami: Material, Usage, and Characteristics
From its material, usage and characteristics, let’s have an in-depth look at tatami.
What are tatami mats made from?
There are three parts to a tatami, each made with different materials:
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Base - Called “doko”, it is made from woven rice straw.
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Surface - The cover is called “omote” and made from rush.
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Border - Called “heri”, it is the edge of the tatami made from cloth.
Characteristics and Usage of Tatami
Even if there has been a decline in tatami flooring for residential housing, it is still widely used in certain establishments like ryokan and teahouses. Aside from that, tatami is a popular product amongst tourists.
So what exactly makes tatami so popular in the first place?
Tatami are:
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Airy and cooling
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Makes for good padding whether as flooring for sports like Judo, play area for children, or futon base
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Minor dehumidifying capabilities
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Nice refreshing smell
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Sound proofing
Taking Care of Tatami
As great as tatami are, you should know what you are getting into. Tatami are weak to humidity, water, and weight. They also require yearly maintenance for mold prevention and bug-proofing.
How to Clean Tatami Mat
The easiest way to clean tatami is gently with a vacuum cleaner. Do not press too hard and follow the grain. Wiping with a dry cloth also works.
Keep in mind that tatami are weak to water. Act fast if you get it wet, thoroughly dry the area with a cloth and let it air. If moisture is retained, mold will grow.
The biggest issue with tatami though are stains (inevitably). How can you remove stains from tatami?
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Oil Stain - Apply mild neutral detergent to a towel. Wipe gently. Dry and air.
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Liquid Stain - Wipe gently with almost dry damp cloth. Dry and air.
You can also try rubbing dry soap on the area, then using a dry damp cloth to gently rub. Do not use baking soda.
Tatami Etiquette
Tatami should be treated with care. When visiting a place with tatami, tread gently. We don’t need to remind you to take off your shoes when entering someone’s house, but don’t run or stomp as well. If you have heavy luggage, avoid putting it on the tatami.
If the tatami provided are for seating cushion purposes, put them away as common courtesy. Lastly, avoid stepping on the edges of the tatami.
Useful Information for Buying Tatami
Before we dive into where to buy tatami, there’s a few things you should know:
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If you’re renting an apartment that came with tatami flooring, know that you will need permission from the landlord to make any changes. Also, any damage to the tatami will need to be reimbursed.
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If you’re planning on having tatami in your personal property, you have 2 choices; replacing the flooring with tatami, or getting tatami mats to lay atop regular flooring.
Either way, carefully consider before getting/renting a place with tatami.
Where to Get Tatami?
There are various places you can get tatami in Japan:
Online Stores
These days you can buy tatami mats on online marketplaces and online shops like Ikehiko and Fuli. Things to consider when buying from online marketplaces like Amazon and Rakuten is that though the prices are cheaper, the quality may not be as good as tatami specialist shops. Not to mention, you will not be able to check the mat itself before delivery.
Home Centres
Places like Nitori and Kohnan sell affordable and good quality tatami. Shop attendants can also advise you on which would suit your house best, as well as advice on refurbishment and other related matters. Products are usually ready-made.
Tatami Specialty Shops
Tatami-ya (畳屋) are still the best place to go for high quality tatami made by tatami specialist craftsman. Back in the olden days, before home centres and the internet existed, tatami-ya dominated the market. Aftercare services differ from store to store, find one that suits your needs. Mats are usually made to order.
Takeaway
Experiencing tatami at ryokans and teahouses is fine and all, but you might want to have the same comfort in your own home. Prefer sleeping on the floor instead of a bed, consider the comfort of a tatami floor beneath your futon. Tatami may not be for everybody considering the time consumed and care necessary when using, but you may find the trouble worth it when you settle atop one on a hot summer day.
