There are many mysteries in this world. Take for example Stonehenge. Who created it? And why? I mean a structure like that created so many years ago is a remarkable engineering feat and as such, it must of been for some great purpose because monuments of that kind are usually built with some divine reason in mind.

Being in Japan, though, my mind has seems to dwell on simpler things, things more close to my host country. Out of all my experiences here in Japan there is still one thing I cannot wrap my head around. There is still one thing that keeps me up late at night as I try to decipher the immortal question of, why?

This thing is, of course, how can the straw mats that I must change in my apartment when I leave cost ¥60000 to replace. But rather then lose anymore sleep over the subject I decided to find out how they make the lovely tatami mats that will cost me a hardcore weekend in Vegas so that at least I can appreciate what goes in to it and so I don’t blow a gasket when I get the bill and educate the rest of you what little I can.

Tatami is the traditional form of carpentry here in Japan. It actually evolved from the traditional straw sleeping mat that gradually became thicker and thicker to increase comfort. It was in the 12th century where the real love affair between tatami and the Japanese began. It was around this time that tatami started to be used as a luxury good by emperors, nobles, religious leaders and high-ranking individuals. It was around the 15th century when the Japanese decided to use the tatami as flooring. The prestige associated with tatami dwindled in the 17th century when it became available to ordinary citizens.

Tatami mats consist of 3 parts. The first is the tatami omote or the reed of rush cover (the outside part of the tatami). What this consists of is special straw rush that is only planted in 15 regions in Japan. Each regional rush serves to produce a different kind of rush in terms of thickness, length, durability, color, and absorbing properties. The rush is planted in mid-winter and cropped in the summer. It is then dried. Once dried one must choose rush of the correct thickness, length and color. To create an omote one must choose about 4000 - 5000 rushes of soft reed that is woven together using cotton or hemp string.

The inner part of the tatami, or the tatami goto, consists of straw that is sewn together and tightly packed. The advantage of this is that this tight package has lots of absorbing space. The air pockets allows for absorbing of 500 cc of water, according to Japanese studies, that will naturally evaporate once the environment is dry. Also, the air space works as a great heat absorber. This is why even if the sun is constantly beaming down on the tatami in the summer, the temperature of the mat is hardly effected. This is also why in winter although my house is six degrees Celsius my tatami is not cold.

Finally, there is the decorative and colorful cloth edgings called the tatami beri. In the olden days the color and pattern of the beri distinguished your rank or even your family crest and colors. Now there are over 2000 designs to choose from in numerous colors. The highest quality mats have the beri made out of linen while the mass produced ones are made of polyester.

The Japanese also feel a spiritual connection with there tatami. It is believed that tatami has spiritual medicinal value. They clam that it can calm the spirit, relax the body and smooth the mind. The smell of the tatami is especially healing. There is also a superstitious believe in the positioning of tatami flooring in the household. Ever wonder why you tatami room (well at least mine does) consists of 5 and a half tatami? Well it is because the Japanese believe this to be good luck. A room that consists of 5 and 1/2 tatami will bring you much fortune. And who couldn’t use more future? Also, it is considered bad luck if the tatami is laid out in a grid system. This is why the tatami is always laid in a brick-like pattern.

There are some disadvantages to tatami though. For one, it seems to wear out faster than western carpet. It is after all straw and constant wear and tear does take its toll after awhile. Also, there are the infamous tatami bugs that live in the tatami. They can and sometimes do bite humans, which can be annoying because this means that you must delouse the tatami every once in a while. Also, tatmi require changing and replacing after a while because mildew and mold can build up on that mats. However, despite these faults, the Japanese seem to enjoy their tatami and are willing to put up with these disadvantages.

So next time you look at your tatami, don’t think about things like why don’t they mass produce the straw rush in other regions of Japan or even other countries where labor is much cheaper thus producing a product which is more cost effective to the consumer. Don’t think about why is it they choose a form of carpeting that you have to routinely delouse and consistently change when it would be more convenient to use something with much less maintenance (not to mention cheaper). No, think of the history, cultural connections, meticulous detailing that goes into making your tatami what it truly is, a work of art.

Edited from original by Ted Photinopoulos for the Tombo Times, Oct ‘04.