Tatami Day (Tatami no Hi)

What Is Tatami Day?

September 24th is "Tatami Day," established by the National Tatami Industry Promotion Association to highlight the merits of tatami mats and promote their continued use. Tatami Day is observed twice a year, on April 29th and September 24th.

Why Is September 24th "Tatami Day"?

September 24th is Sanitation Day and the first day of Environmental Sanitation Week (September 24 to October 1), and the autumn Tatami Day was set in connection with it. The spring date, April 29th, was chosen because of the green color of igusa rush: at the time the day was established, April 29th was Greenery Day (it is now Showa Day).

• Sanitation Day and the start of Environmental Sanitation Week: September 24th was chosen in connection with them.
• Promoting tatami culture: Aimed at preserving Japan's traditional living culture.
• Twice a year: Spring is tied to the green of igusa and what was then Greenery Day (April 29th); autumn to Sanitation Day (September 24th).

What Is Tatami?

Tatami is a traditional Japanese flooring material made up of a woven "tatami-omote" surface (typically made from rush grass, called igusa) and a "tatami-doko" core (made from straw or board materials). Soft and warm, it's an iconic feature of Japanese-style rooms.

• Tatami-omote (surface): Primarily made from igusa rush grass, with Kumamoto Prefecture as the main domestic producer.
• Tatami-doko (core): Comes in straw-based or board-based varieties.
• Sizes: Vary by region and building type, including Kyo-ma, Chukyo-ma, Edo-ma, and danchi-ma; Kyo-ma is the largest.

The Appeal and Function of Tatami

Tatami isn't just visually appealing—it also offers excellent functional benefits for living spaces.

• Humidity regulation: Igusa is said to absorb and release moisture, softening changes in indoor humidity.
• Air purification: Said to help absorb certain harmful substances.
• Insulation: Its air-filled structure is said to provide some insulation.
• The scent of igusa: Many people love the aroma of new tatami.

Interesting Facts About Tatami Day

• Tatami's lifespan: The surface is generally recommended for replacement every 5 to 10 years.
• Where the word comes from: Tatami originally referred to thin mats in general, and the name is said to come from the verb tatamu (to fold), since the mats were folded away when not in use.
• Fewer Japanese-style rooms: While tatami rooms are declining due to changing housing styles, there's a growing movement to rediscover their value.
• Colored tatami: Modern resin- and washi-paper-based colored tatami have also become popular.

Ways to Enjoy Tatami Day

• Relax in a tatami room and enjoy the scent of igusa.
• Care for your tatami by dry-wiping and ventilating to keep it clean.
• Consider replacing or refacing your tatami.
• Spend quiet time reading or meditating in a Japanese-style room.

Tatami: A Floor That Brings Comfort and Calm to Japanese Living

September 24th's "Tatami Day" is a chance to rediscover the charm and functionality of traditional tatami culture. Take a moment to appreciate the comfort of a Japanese-style room.