Matsuba Tatami shop Tomomi Ito
"Passing on the Nostalgic Aroma of Igusa to the Next Generation"
As the traditional Japanese home style evolves, the demand for tatami, which has long been used as a flooring material, has been decreasing. We create and sell everyday accessories and interior items made from igusa (rush grass), the raw material for tatami, and tatami-beri (decorative edge fabric). We hope that through these products, people can experience the pleasant scent and texture of igusa, rediscover the appeal of tatami, and develop an interest in incorporating it into their lives.
Established in 1977, we are dedicated to using domestically produced materials and conveying the passion and commitment of the igusa producers to our customers with care and precision. As a local tatami shop, we have been rooted in the community for decades.
In 2018, the business was passed on to the daughter and her husband. To spread awareness of the comfort of living with tatami, we began creating and selling accessories made from igusa, organizing events, and holding workshops.
Through everyday goods and interior items made from igusa, with its gentle fragrance, we hope to convey the appeal of tatami to a wider audience.
In January 2020, the factory that was originally built in 1977 was replaced with a new one. The business was restarted with the aim of becoming even more deeply rooted in the community. The first floor houses the tatami factory, the mezzanine is a shop selling tatami-based goods, and the second floor serves as both a workshop for crafting tatami accessories and a multi-purpose work space.
Here, visitors can experience the unique texture of tatami and its related products, all made from a single material within a single factory. The second-floor tatami-floored workshop space regularly hosts events and workshops where participants can touch the tatami, feel its comforting scent and texture, and fully appreciate its charm.
We hope this space serves as an opportunity for people to discover and embrace the lifestyle of living with tatami.
2016 Good Design Shizuoka Cultural Award
2023 Selected for the Japan Traditional Culture Grand Prix
2023 Runner-up Prize at the J300 Award