About Tatami

Tatami, which originated in Japan, is becoming popular in the United States and other countries when it comes to interior design. Though outside of Japan tatami is used mainly as a decor item, it does have great cultural and historical significance.

History

Tatami originated during the Heian period, and was first used as luxury seating mats for nobility. It also represented symbols of wealth, as few could afford it, and those who could not buy it resorted to sitting on dirt floors or straw. During the Muromachi period, tatami started being used to cover the floors of entire rooms, whereas it was formerly put to use only as seating mats. Such rooms were called zashiki, and rules concerning the use of them developed--some of the rules are still widely recognized today. At the end of the seventeenth century, tatami mats made their way into the homes of commoners.

Regional Differences

In Japan, the size of tatami mats are determined by the region they are used in. There are Kyoma tatami (from Kyoto), Ainoma tatami (from Nagoya) and Edoma or Kantoma tatami (from Tokyo). Half-size tatami mats are referred to as hanjo. Quarter-length mats, which as used in tea ceremony rooms, are known as daimedatami.

Layout Etiquette

During the Edo period, two types of tatami layouts developed--auspicious and inauspicious. In the auspicious layout, the tatami os arranged to form a T-shape. With inauspicious tatami layouts, the grid pattern forms a plus (+) shape. Today, the auspicious layout is most commonly used.

When used in a home, tatami mats shouldn't be put in the inauspicious layout--it is thought to bring bad luck. Additionally, tatami shouldn't be put in a grid pattern, and there shouldn't be a point where the corners of three or four mats touch.

Traditional Uses

In Japanese culture, tatami mats and flooring are kept very clean--as clean as a dining surface in many cases. Tatami are typically associated with the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and performance of religious rites. Most Japanese homes have at least one room with tatami in it.

Other uses for tatami mats are in Japanese martial arts, such as judo and the practice of tameshigiri (Japanese swordsmanship).

Modern Uses

Today, tatami is still used in Japanese homes, although not as widely as in the past. People commonly have just one room with tatami flooring or mats. These rooms are known as nihonma or washitsu.

In countries outside of Japan, tatami is commonly used when one wants their decor to reflect a Japanese style. The traditional etiquette attached to tatami flooring is not typically regarded in other countries, as tatami is seen only as a decorative item. Now, tatami is also used to make furniture, such as beds and futons.