From Kyoto: A New Standard for Souvenirs! A 300-Year-Old Tatami Mat Maker Spreads Japanese Warmth with Upcycled Tatami Coasters

Our company supports April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day to express dreams. This press release is the dream of "Genroku Tatami Co., Ltd."

Founded in Genroku 3 (1690), Genroku Tatami opened its doors in front of Konkai Komyoji Temple (commonly known as Kurotani-san) in the Okazaki area of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, where Heian Jingu Shrine is located. Since then, for generations, tatami craftsmen have been involved in the construction of temples, shrines, inns, and tea rooms in the same location, inheriting Kyoto's culture and traditions. Genroku Tatami, which combines efficiency through machinery with craftsmanship that machines cannot replicate, and performs meticulous work unchanged since the era when tatami became popular among common people, now sells high-quality tatami goods that only they can create.

Due to the spread of Western-style architecture, tatami mats are decreasing year by year. The number of rush grass farmers, the raw material for tatami, has decreased from approximately 5,500 to about 200 (as of 2026), with 80% being imported from China. Driven by a sense of crisis that domestic tatami might disappear, and with the desire to "let people know the goodness of tatami even if they don't have tatami at home," we have created tatami coasters using upcycled tatami materials.

## Sustainable Tatami Products
While tatami is gradually becoming less common in daily life, we also want to spread awareness of its health and environmental benefits. Tatami has been used in Japan for about 1,300 years.

Tatami already appears in Hyakunin Isshu and The Tale of Genji, demonstrating its deep connection to Japanese culture and history. Tatami made from rush grass naturally regulates humidity, making rooms cool in summer and warm in winter, perfectly suited to Japan's climate. Furthermore, it purifies the air, is gentle on the body, and as a natural material, it returns to nature, making it environmentally friendly. With recent changes in architectural styles, tatami is decreasing, leading to a decline in rush grass farmers who produce tatami materials, and a decrease in craftsmen for tatami-doko (the core of tatami mats). Besides the problem of fewer tatami craftsmen, there is also a problem of dwindling materials.

In an era where the demand for tatami itself is decreasing, we started selling miscellaneous goods with the desire for people who don't have a Japanese-style room at home to experience the unique warmth and scent of tatami, a Japanese tradition, which is different from flooring, and to pass on this goodness to future generations. Even as times change, the goodness of tatami remains. With changing needs, we believe that "tatami craftsmen should not only make tatami mats." As a long-established company, we will flexibly adapt to new eras and innovate to convey our years of knowledge and skills to more people.

### Tatami Coasters
These are made by upcycling waste materials generated during tatami production. The variety of tatami borders changes from time to time, allowing for enjoyable chance encounters. The key point is that simply placing them down adds a Japanese atmosphere or a modern stylishness. They can be used by advanced users who switch them according to the season, or as a display stand for your favorite figures.
*Tatami coasters may also be available for size customization. Special orders for cafes, ryokans, etc., are also accepted.
Tatami Coaster / 1,500 yen (tax included)
Round Wooden Tatami Coaster / 2,200 yen (tax included)
Pair with modern Western tableware
Display your favorite figures and small items
Enjoy changing coasters depending on the vessel

### Tatami Sachets
These scent bags allow you to enjoy the fresh scent of newly laid tatami mats. You can use them as deodorizers in drawers or shoe boxes, or keep them in your bag or pouch for a private moment of relaxation.
The scent of tatami is said to have the same effect as forest bathing, making it ideal for refreshing those who work at desks.
They are luxuriously made using only high-quality domestic rush grass, which accounts for only 20% of all tatami. They make great small souvenirs or gifts for people overseas.
2 pieces for 600 yen (tax included)

### Tatami Overlay Mats (Uwashiki)
If you want to easily feel the warmth of tatami in a Western-style home, this is it. They are lightweight and can be rolled up, so you can lay them down only where you want to lie down and then put them away. As a natural material, they are cool in summer and gently warm in winter, making them popular as pet mats.
If you want to enjoy more of the tatami feel, Oki-tatami (unit tatami mats) are recommended. Create a special space in your home by laying tatami mats in the style of Heian nobles.
Both Uwashiki and Oki-tatami are made-to-order upon contact.
Please feel free to inquire.
From 5,500 yen (tax included), depending on size.

### Tatami Amulets
Rush grass has a history of being used as shimenawa (sacred ropes) at shrines in some regions, serving as protection against evil and misfortune. Genroku Tatami handcrafts each amulet using such rush grass, from palm-sized ones to larger ones that can be displayed in a room. Each design is unique, and
If sold out, they will be made to order.
You can enjoy them throughout the year, not only for New Year's but also as an alternative to the Chinowa (reed ring) decoration for Nagoshi no Harae (summer purification ritual) to cleanse impurities from the first half of the year and pray for good health for the latter half, or simply to enjoy the fresh scent of rush grass.
From 1,500 yen (tax included), depending on size, etc.

### Tatami Chairs
Designed to blend into Western-style rooms, these chairs made from natural wood and tatami are produced in various sizes for both homes and commercial use in restaurants and cafes. You can add more originality by combining them with your preferred tatami border.
These are made-to-order, so please inquire via Genroku Tatami's website or Instagram. International shipping is also available.
88,000 yen (tax included), depending on size, etc.

### Tatami Accessories
These accessories are made by encasing rush grass in resin and polishing it beautifully. Each piece is carefully handmade, making each one unique. If out of stock, they are made to order.