Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our tatami mats are made in our workshop in Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, so they are 100% made in Japan.

Yes, we can make it. We need specific dimensions for production.

Great question! Think of tatami as your very own “Zen zone.” In Japan, we like to keep our indoor spaces—especially tatami rooms—as a peaceful sanctuary, and here’s why we ditch the shoes:
1. Tatami is like a soft, living rug: It’s made from natural rush grass that loves to be felt with bare feet or socks. Shoes are a bit too "rough" for this delicate texture—they can leave scratches or pick up dirt from the outside that you definitely don't want on your relaxation space!
2. The "Clean & Cozy" vibe: Taking off your shoes is like a little ritual to leave the stress and dust of the outside world at the door. Once you’re on the tatami, it’s just you, the calming natural scent, and pure comfort. It’s the perfect way to let your feet breathe and truly unwind. So, go ahead and treat your feet—they’ll love the natural texture of tatami much more than any shoe sole!

Don’t panic! While tatami is a natural material, it is surprisingly manageable if you know the right steps. The most important rule is "Absorb, don't rub."
1.Act immediately: Use a dry towel or paper towel to press firmly onto the spill. Do not rub, as this will push the liquid deeper into the fibers.
2.For stubborn stains: If a faint mark remains, you can gently dab it with a slightly damp cloth, then immediately dry the area with a hair dryer or by letting it air out.
3.The "Chalk" trick: If the spill is significant, sprinkle some white chalk powder or cornstarch over the area to soak up the liquid, let it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum it up gently.
Pro-tip for peace of mind:If you are worried about high-traffic areas or spaces where you enjoy food and drinks, we highly recommend choosing our Washi (paper-based) or Synthetic resin tatami. These modern materials are specifically designed to be water-repellent and stain-resistant, making them virtually worry-free!

Yes, absolutely! Robot vacuums are actually excellent for tatami because they apply consistent, gentle pressure that doesn't damage the fibers. Regular vacuuming is the best way to prevent dust and mold. However, please ensure that any "mopping" or "wet-cleaning" functions are turned off for the tatami area, as moisture can cause mold on natural rush grass. For natural Igusa, premium paper (Washi), or synthetic resin (Migusa) surfaces, standard dry vacuuming is perfectly safe.

Yes, it is completely safe and, in fact, highly beneficial for babies to crawl on natural Igusa tatami! Natural rush grass is a wonderful, skin-friendly material with great natural benefits:
1. Natural Relaxation with Vanillin: Igusa contains "Vanillin," the same aromatic compound found in natural vanilla. This sweet, gentle scent has been scientifically proven to have a deep calming effect, reducing stress and helping your baby feel secure, relaxed, and even sleep better.
2. Built-in Antibacterial Protection: You don't have to worry about germs on the floor. Natural Igusa is inherently antimicrobial and antibacterial. It naturally suppresses the growth of bacteria, mold, and odor-causing microbes, creating a much cleaner and safer surface for crawling than typical synthetic carpets.
3. Allergy & Asthma Friendly: Pure natural Igusa acts as a natural air purifier, absorbing carbon dioxide and floating dust particles from the room. Unlike fluffy carpets, it does not trap heavy allergens or dust mites easily. True plant allergies to Igusa are extremely rare.
*Safety Note: At our workshop, we hand-sew our mats with thread instead of using dangerous metal staples on the edges, ensuring a 100% safe environment for your baby's delicate hands and feet. It is the ultimate "Zen island" for your little one to grow up on!

While comfort is personal, millions of people find that sleeping on a futon directly on tatami provides a level of deep, restorative sleep that heavy Western beds simply cannot match. Here are the three major advantages:
1. Excellent Support for Your Back & Spine: Unlike soft, sagging Western mattresses that can cause back pain, tatami has a perfect "firm yet yielding" natural elasticity. Our traditional construction creates a supportive base that aligns your spine naturally and distributes body weight evenly. Many people with chronic back stiffness find incredible relief sleeping this way.
2. The Grounding "Low Eye-Level" Effect: Sleeping closer to the floor completely changes the psychology of a room. By lowering your eye level, the ceiling feels higher, the space feels larger, and your mind experiences a profound sense of openness and security. It creates a beautifully cozy, grounded atmosphere that instantly triggers a "time to rest" signal in your brain.
3. The Ultimate Sleep Aromatherapy (Alpha-Wave Generation): The natural scent of Igusa (rush grass) is perhaps the greatest advantage of all. It contains "Vanillin," which naturally stimulates the generation of alpha-waves in the human brain—the exact brainwaves associated with deep relaxation, meditation, and stress relief. Sleeping on tatami is literally like sleeping in a peaceful forest. It acts as a natural barrier (Kekkai) against digital stress, allowing your nervous system to fully unplug and recharge overnight.
If you love a clean, minimalist aesthetic and want to turn your bedroom into a true mental sanctuary for wellness, the tatami-and-futon combination is an unmatched experience.

Yes, you can easily install our mats over most existing floors to transform your room. However, the stability depends slightly on the underlying material:
1. On Wooden Floors (Hardwood/Laminate): It is perfectly fine! There is absolutely no problem. The mats will sit flat and stable. For added peace of mind, we can apply a non-slip layer or cushion to the bottom of the mats so they won't slide around when you walk or exercise on them.
2. On Low-Pile (Short) Carpets: This is also generally no problem. If the carpet is tightly woven and thin, the tatami mats will remain stable and comfortable to use.
3. On High-Pile (Thick/Fluffy) Carpets: If your carpet is very thick or plush, the tatami mats may shift or feel a bit unstable when you step on them. For the best experience, we recommend placing a firm sheet underneath or choosing a thinner carpet base.
Pro-Tip: When placing tatami over any existing floor, just make sure the area is completely dry before installation to ensure perfect air circulation!

In Japan, the traditional standard thickness is 50mm to 60mm. However, we custom-manufacture mats in a wide range from 13mm to 60mm, allowing you to choose the perfect thickness for your lifestyle and space. Please note that the stepping comfort, sense of security, and weight differ significantly depending on the thickness:
1. For the Ultimate Traditional Comfort (50mm+): If you want the true, authentic Japanese tatami experience, we highly recommend 50mm or thicker. This thickness provides an unmatched solid, heavy feel and a deep, luxurious stepping comfort that cushions your feet perfectly.
2. For Preventing Tripping Hazards (30mm is our Recommendation): If you are placing the mats on top of an existing floor and are worried about the height difference, around 30mm is the ideal sweet spot. Based on our decades of experience, there is a surprisingly big difference between 20mm/25mm and 30mm. While 20-25mm can feel a bit too thin or rigid, 30mm perfectly balances a smooth transition (reducing tripping risks) with a remarkably comfortable, resilient cushion.
Whatever your space requires, we can tailor the thickness to match your needs perfectly, so please feel free to consult with us!

Yes, it is possible with our Tatami Making Kit. We provide a comprehensive manual that guides you through the entire process, from removing the damaged surface to attaching the new one.

Natural rush (Igusa) will inevitably turn yellow as it ages. However, if you prefer to maintain the original color for many years, we recommend our Washi (paper-based) or Synthetic resin materials, which do not fade.

The key is to avoid extreme conditions. Do not let it over-dry, as the grass will become brittle. Conversely, do not expose it to constant high humidity. Igusa has a sponge-like structure that acts as a natural air conditioner. Maintaining your room at a moderate humidity level is the best way to ensure longevity.

Do not rub or wipe it. The most effective method is to absorb the liquid. Press a dry towel firmly against the spill. If you have chalk, sprinkle a large amount of powder on the spill first, then press a towel over it. You can lift remaining dirt by dropping a small amount of water and repeating the absorption process.

Basically, we accept Credit Card payments. We also accept Bank Transfers.

Yes, we can. We manufacture the mats based on the smallest dimensions provided to ensure a perfect fit. We will also provide several layout options for your approval before production starts.

Yes, you can. This is a wise choice. If all mats are the same size, you can rotate and swap them between high-traffic and low-traffic areas, significantly extending the overall life of your tatami.

Yes, absolutely. To prevent mold, we recommend changing the materials to non-mold-growing options: Synthetic resin or Washi for the surface and foam-based cores. Since these do not absorb moisture, mold cannot grow.

Yes. Natural materials can become brittle in dry climates. To prevent this, we recommend Washi or Synthetic resin surfaces with an All-Foam core, as these are highly resistant to climatic changes.

Yes. By using Styrofoam and our high-compression 'ZETRON' board, we can reduce the weight significantly. Our All-Foam mats weigh only about 10kg, making them easy to move for lessons.

Yes. You can use our Tatami Making Kit. You prepare the base locally, and we send you the specialized 'Goza' (surface) with the borders already sewn on. Following our instructions, you can create mats specifically for outdoor use.

Yes, we do. We offer thicknesses of 13mm, 24mm, and 27mm.

Yes, it is possible. We have participated in several such projects. Please contact us via email for more details.

Yes, we can provide that for you.

Quality is determined by grass selection and warp threads. Premium stalks are woven first. High-quality surfaces compress stalks into a conical shape to increase density. Premium grades use Hemp and Cotton threads to withstand the high tension required for this density. Our MT208 is our highest-density product.

Yes, it is completely safe. It meets the F☆☆☆☆ (Four-Star) rating, meaning it emits no formaldehyde. It is also Non-CFC.

It is like 'indoor forest bathing.' It contains Vanillin for relaxation, Phyton for focus, and acts as a natural air purifier. It is the ultimate natural aromatherapy.

No. At our shop, we hand-sew those sections with thread instead of using staples. Our mats are safe even for small children.

Yes. We arrange Marine Insurance for sea freight and Damage Compensation Insurance for air freight. If damaged, please take photos immediately and notify us. We will promptly remake and reship them.

It is safe. Each mat is wrapped in waterproof paper and thoroughly dried before packing. We have never had a single case of mold in 26 years of export.

Yes. An agent affiliated with our Japanese export partner will contact you directly upon arrival in your country.

To prevent any issues, we attach a Detailed Specification Sheet with Photos of your specific tatami to the cargo so customs officers understand exactly what it is.

Yes. We use Export-grade double-layered cardboard with 7-8 layers of protection on the sides. For large orders, we use Wood Crating.

Under the Japan-UK CEPA agreement, the customs duty for tatami mats from Japan to the UK is 0%.