As one of the oldest traditional features of Japanese homes today, tatami date back to at least the Nara Period (710-794), with their first written mention being in the ¡°Kojiki¡± (The Record of Ancient Matters).
Primarily made of igusa (rush straw), tatami are an eco-friendly and naturally antibacterial form of interior insulation and can help regulate room humidity levels by wicking away moisture. Tatami¡¯s required maintenance and lifespan of only 50 years, however, has led to their decline in contemporary homes.
This month, On: Design looks at a few innovations designed to recycle tatami waste, champion the benefits of igusa and help revitalize the waning industry.
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