The Beauty and Fragrance of Japanese Igusa — Tatami Renewal

We recently renewed the tatami mats in a customer’s traditional Japanese room in Ichihara, Chiba.

By replacing the surface of the existing tatami, the entire room became brighter and was filled with the fresh, natural fragrance of igusa — the rush grass traditionally used to make tatami.

For this project, we used tatami surfaces made with Japanese-grown igusa.

Our tatami craftsman also shared photographs showing us how igusa is grown, harvested, carefully sorted and processed before it finally becomes the tatami we see in Japanese homes.

Every tatami mat has a story.

It begins in a field of green igusa. Farmers carefully cultivate and harvest the plants. The igusa is then selected and processed before skilled craftspeople transform it into beautiful tatami.

Behind something that may appear simple are farmers, craftspeople, generations of knowledge, and an important part of Japanese culture.

Today, Japan’s domestic igusa industry faces many challenges, including a declining number of producers, a shortage of successors and the effects of natural disasters.

Through our renovation work, Hinano hopes to help more people discover and appreciate the value of authentic Japanese-grown igusa and traditional tatami craftsmanship.

One of the wonderful qualities of natural igusa is that its beauty changes over time.

When new, tatami has a fresh green appearance and a distinctive natural fragrance. As the years pass, the green gradually develops into a warm golden tone.

Like natural wood or leather, tatami develops its own character as it ages with your home.

The fragrance of igusa.

The comfortable feeling beneath bare feet.The peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Japanese room.

Tatami may be familiar to people in Japan, but we believe it is also a remarkable part of Japanese living culture that deserves to be shared with the world.

We hope visitors from Europe, North America and around the world will have the opportunity to experience REAL JAPANESE TATAMI made with domestically grown igusa.

At Hinano, we believe renovation is not only about repairing and improving homes.

It can also help preserve craftsmanship, support local tradespeople, and pass Japanese living traditions on to the next generation.

From the fields of Japan, to your home. 🌿

Hinano provides tatami renewal, Japanese-room renovations and a wide range of home improvement services in Ichihara and the surrounding area.

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