【The History of Tatami】
Just as the origin of Western culture is Greece, the origin of many cultures in Asia, including Japan, is China. However, tatami is a culture that is unique to, and originated in, Japan. Tatami appears in the “Kojiki”, Japan’s oldest historical record compiled in the 8th century, but the so-called “wafū” or “Japanese style” was established during the Muromachi and Edo periods where tatami became a symbol of Japaneseness. In 2020, Traditional Architectural Techniques: Traditional Techniques for Inheriting Wooden Buildings was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the inclusion of tatami manufacturing is further proof of its symbolism in Japanese culture.
Propagating & Preserving the Art of Tatami
Japanese tatami mats have a history of about 1300 years, but the scale of the industry is shrinking due to the diversification of Japanese lifestyles such as the westernization of housing. Under such circumstances, our company is expanding sales through new initiatives and sales strategies because we believe that we have a responsibility to preserve the tradition of tatami.
Contracts with Raw Material Farmers
Almost all of the igusa or rushes, which is the raw material for tatami mats, is produced in Kumamoto Prefecture. We have a total purchase contract with rush farmers in Kumamoto Prefecture to support their financial stability. By doing so, we are creating an environment where they can concentrate on making better quality rushes.
Combining the Latest Machinery & Craftsmen
We pay careful attention to the work of our craftsmen and install the latest machinery to eliminate irregular quality. Our craftsmen have Tatami Technician 1st Grade and Manufacturing Meister (ISO 14001 & ISO 9001 certifications), and we manufacture tatami mats conscientiously with reliable technology. It is precisely because we possess well-equipped facilities and skilled craftsmanship that we can continue the tradition and innovation of tatami manufacturing.
Sharing Tatami Culture
One of the reasons for the scale reduction of the tatami industry is that information dissemination was lacking in the industry. We must convey the merit of tatami to the world. So we will expand sales channels while disseminating information on traditional Japanese tatami culture overseas. By extension, we believe that doing this will preserve the traditional culture and local industries of Japan.
【To Make Exceptional Quality Tatami】
The tatami mats are made by tightening and compressing multiple layers of rice straw into a tatami-doko or base.
The tatami-omote or cover is woven by knitting warp threads and natural igusa or rushes together and then placing it onto the base.
Finally, it is completed by sewing tatami-heri or borders on edges of the long sides.
The tatami cover in particular is an important part because this facet comes in direct contact with the body.
The longer the tatami-omote is aged, the more valuable it becomes. Through aging, the tatami-omote becomes a beautiful silver-white color throughout and retains this color for a long time. And, in turn, thickens and increases its durability. At Sekikawa, our tatami-omote are aged in a storage room kept at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and a humidity of 45% for one year after harvesting. We use these stored aged tatami-omote to make exceptional quality tatami mats.
The tatami-omote or cover is woven by knitting warp threads and natural igusa or rushes together and then placing it onto the base.
Finally, it is completed by sewing tatami-heri or borders on edges of the long sides.
The tatami cover in particular is an important part because this facet comes in direct contact with the body.
The longer the tatami-omote is aged, the more valuable it becomes. Through aging, the tatami-omote becomes a beautiful silver-white color throughout and retains this color for a long time. And, in turn, thickens and increases its durability. At Sekikawa, our tatami-omote are aged in a storage room kept at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and a humidity of 45% for one year after harvesting. We use these stored aged tatami-omote to make exceptional quality tatami mats.
Ms. Matsunaga, Manufacture
It has been about 4 years since I started making tatami. I have loved making things since I was a child. I thought, just once in my life I would like to work in an environment surrounded by factory lines and tools. Even though it is a world of almost entirely male craftsmen, my parents told me, “just do what you want to do.” Ever since, I have done my best to conscientiously make each and every tatami mat.
Ms. Koinuma, Customer Support
I have always loved Japanese culture and was looking for a job that related to it. Around the same time, my parents and grandmother had commissioned Tatami no Sekikawa to re-cover the tatami mats at their houses and I really liked the atmosphere of the employees. So, I decided that I wanted to work for their company. Now, I work as a salesperson who visits customers’ homes, inspects tatami mats and sliding doors, and gives sales quotes. I value communication and endeavor to solve any problems that my customers are having.
Purchase
You can also purchase tatami mats.
Please feel free to contact us.
Please feel free to contact us.
Experience the Manufacture of Purchased Tatami
You can tour the tatami factory and experience making mini tatami mats.
・ First, we will guide you on a factory tour (about 30 minutes).
(Please refrain from wearing crocs, sandals, etc.)
・ After that, we will guide you in making mini tatami mats (about 30 minutes).
● Choose your favorite tatami mat and edge for your hands-on experience.
The staff will explain how to make it step-by-step.
Then you can take the completed mini tatami mats home with you.
・ First, we will guide you on a factory tour (about 30 minutes).
(Please refrain from wearing crocs, sandals, etc.)
・ After that, we will guide you in making mini tatami mats (about 30 minutes).
● Choose your favorite tatami mat and edge for your hands-on experience.
The staff will explain how to make it step-by-step.
Then you can take the completed mini tatami mats home with you.
1,000 yen for a factory tour &
mini tatami mat making experience package
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Company name: Sekikawa Tatami Shoten Co., Ltd.
Established: December 19, 1975
Capital: 10 million yen
Number of employees: 51
Business: Tatami manufacturing & sales, joinery manufacturing & sales, interior work, and remodeling work
https://www.tatamiya.info/
Established: December 19, 1975
Capital: 10 million yen
Number of employees: 51
Business: Tatami manufacturing & sales, joinery manufacturing & sales, interior work, and remodeling work
https://www.tatamiya.info/
I Want to Make Each and Every Customer Smile
It has been about 90 years since this company was founded in the 1920s. However, we have been making tatami with the desire to see the gratified smiles of each and every customer. The late president, Chōtarō Sekikawa, was said to have established this business with the idea of “let’s make this store one that benefits customers.”
We are confident that continuing to provide only what is truly compelling to consumers and professionals and the sentiments the previous president left behind will help us preserve the healthy and prosperous lives of everyone.
Through tatami, we will continue to value the bonds we have with our customers, now more than ever, and strive to be a store where you can feel at ease.
We are confident that continuing to provide only what is truly compelling to consumers and professionals and the sentiments the previous president left behind will help us preserve the healthy and prosperous lives of everyone.
Through tatami, we will continue to value the bonds we have with our customers, now more than ever, and strive to be a store where you can feel at ease.
Company President Keiichi Sekikawa