Since I woke up tired (blame it on my wine tasting marathon a day earlier), there could be no better topic to start the day with than 'Igusa' tatamis.
I neither own a tatami nor knew what Igusa was until I read Natural Fibers with a Heavenly Aroma: Soejima (Tokyo Art Beat, March 19).
This piece, part of a series of interviews by Japan Brand, a project aiming to bring fresh blood to Japanese traditions, sheds light on the craft of natural 'Igusa' tatamis thanks to Naoki Ishibashi of Soejima who wants to keep this craft alive.
Actually we learn that the 'classic' tatamis made of igusa and rice straw "has good breathability, and with maintenance the same
set can be used for decades. The natural material breathes, which helps
keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter."
Soejima's project for Japan Brand named Kusawake describes igusa as "an organic, eco-friendly material with forest bathing, air cleaning,
moisture adjusting, and anti-bacterial functions. Furthermore, it is
safe and user-friendly."
It can be very colorful after being dyed as picture above (from TAB piece) illustrates.
It is said in addition to help with "air cleaning, moisture adjusting, and anti-bacterial functions".
Is hanagoza (woven patterned mats) the same thing as tatamis, I am not sure.
Would I wake up rested if I took a nap on one of them?
Getting down on the mat for Tokyo Thursdays # 80
Previously on Tokyo Thursdays:
New Yorker vs Nihonjin: Steve Reich and Nobukazu Takemura at Japan Society, March 19
Related: 'Umbrellas of Happiness', Hand Crafted by Mr. Kitazawa (via PingMag Make)