Here is why tatami rooms help you cool down and relax

Tatami (straw mat) heals the tired bodies of Japanese people in their daily lives and can be used for decades after being repaired many times by the handiwork of craftsmen. In the past, they were then returned to the fields as fertilizer when they deteriorated beyond repair over time. It has been the perfect ethical, recyclable, sustainable product for hundreds of years.

What are the four beneficial effects of tatami and igusa?

1. Purify the air
Igusa (rush) can absorb and decompose formaldehyde, including nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which cause asthma. It also adsorbs nitrogen dioxide emitted from stoves, making it an excellent material not only for summer but also for winter. Once absorbed, these toxic substances are hardly re-released, and the clean air is maintained. This excellent effect is a characteristic of rush grass that no other plant has.

2. Cool in summer, warm in winter
Igusa has a near-cavity structure inside, which allows it to store much air. This structure makes it difficult for heat to pass through, and in summer, the surface stays cool by preventing heat from coming in from outside. Conversely, in winter, it keeps the warm air inside the room from escaping, making it warm and comfortable.

3. Deodorizing effect that absorbs unpleasant odors
Rushes absorb the smell of ammonia or cigarettes and change them into the good smell of rushes.

4. A calming and relaxing effect
Tatami matting made of igusa has a sound-absorbing effect and purifies the air due to phytoncide. This fragrance component inhibits the activity of microorganisms and chemical club chambers emitted by trees and other plants. Research has also proven that phytoncide has relaxation and mental stability effects.

Tatami Yoga Mat for well-being

Recently, tatami has also been utilized as modern products such as yoga mats. These can enhance the health benefits of yoga through the relaxing effects of rushes while practicing yoga.

Ikehiko’s domestically produced tatami mats last more than 20 years in terms of moisture absorption, stain resistance and deodorizing effects. The colorful designs match the wooden flooring in the room, creating a stylish look.

Sustainability and ecology are the trends of the times. New initiatives are essential, but before we get started, why don’t we re-examine Japan’s footprints left behind in its traditions? The core material of tatami is straw, a byproduct of rice, the staple food of Japan. Creating with ingenuity with what we have around us creates a sustainable culture.