Re-examining the Future of Japanese Spaces from the Production Area: "The 4th Kyushu Tatami Summit" to be Held in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto
The 4th Kyushu Tatami Summit will be held in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, a major production area for rush grass (igusa), on Saturday, May 23, 2026. With the cultivation area of rush grass having decreased to less than 1/30 of its peak over the past 30 years due to lifestyle changes, the summit aims to reconnect production areas with daily life. It will bring together various stakeholders, including rush grass producers, tatami mat shops, architects, government officials, and cultural figures, to re-evaluate the value and future possibilities of tatami and rush grass, which are integral to the traditional Japanese way of life. The event will also be open to the general public, featuring lectures, workshops, and an experiential market to promote the future of Japanese spaces.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 20:00
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The Kyushu Tatami Summit Executive Committee (Chairman: Kosei Inoguchi, Representative Director of IKEHIKO Corporation) will hold the "4th Kyushu Tatami Summit" on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, a major production area for rush grass. With the cultivation area of rush grass having decreased to less than 1/30 of its peak over the past 30 years due to changes in lifestyle, the question now is how to reconnect the production areas with daily life. Tatami and rush grass are integral to the traditional Japanese way of life, supporting relaxation and family time. This summit will bring together stakeholders from various backgrounds, including rush grass producers, tatami mat shops, architects, government officials, and cultural figures, to re-evaluate their value and future possibilities. It will also be open to the general public, disseminating the future of Japanese spaces through lectures, workshops, and an experiential market.
Click here to register for the summit:https://tatami-summit.jp/entry/
Event Overview
Name: The 4th Kyushu Tatami Summit
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: [Market] 10:00 - 13:00 [Summit] 13:00 - 17:30 [Social Gathering] 18:00 - 19:30
Venue: Erucermo Yatsushiro (1976 Nishikata-machi, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture 866-0811) / Online streaming available
Organizer: Kyushu Tatami Summit Executive Committee
Cooperation: ONE KYUSHU Summit
Sponsors: Kumamoto Prefecture, Yatsushiro City, Yatsushiro Regional Agricultural Cooperative, Kumamoto Uki Agricultural Cooperative, Kumamoto Rush Grass Industry Cooperative, Kumamoto Rush Grass Production and Sales Promotion Association, Kumamoto Rush Grass and Tatami Mat Revitalization Liaison Council, Fukuoka Rush Grass Product Commercial and Industrial Cooperative, Fukuoka Hanagoza Division, Fukuoka Wholesale Division
Participants: Rush grass farmers, tatami-related businesses, architectural professionals, research institutions, distribution/retail, government, general public
Capacity: Approximately 250 people (first-come, first-served)
Participation Fee: Summit only 3,000 yen, Summit + Social Gathering 8,000 yen
*Admission to the market is free
Click here to register: https://tatami-summit.jp/entry/
Program
●Keynote Speech
"The Current State of Tatami and Rush Grass, and the Future of Living Envisioned from the Production Area"
IKEHIKO Corporation
Yuichi Senju
●Lecture
"As a Regional Business Trading Company, Creating a Cycle of Earning from Regional Resources"
Founder and Advisor, Unagi no Nedoko Co., Ltd.
Representative Director, Shirouzu Co., Ltd.
Takahiro Shirouzu
●Panel Discussion
Session 1: "The Future of Child-rearing Nurtured by Tatami"
Session 2: "Considering the Future of Tatami with ONE KYUSHU"
Group Discussion
Participants will divide into small groups to exchange opinions based on the lecture content. The aim is to create insights and collaborations that lead to practical implementation by bringing diverse perspectives together.
●Networking Event (Optional)
A casual networking event will be held after the main event to foster connections across industries and positions.
About Media Coverage
The Kyushu Tatami Summit welcomes media coverage. If you wish to cover the event, please contact us in advance at the information below.
[Inquiries regarding this matter]
IKEHIKO Corporation
Public Relations: Abe
TEL: 0944-75-8611
Email: press@ikehiko.co.jp
Official Website:https://www.ikehiko.net/
A place to rediscover the charm of rush grass and collectively consider the next step for tatami culture.
We sincerely look forward to the participation of industry professionals, as well as anyone interested in rush grass and tatami.
About IKEHIKO Corporation
IKEHIKO Corporation, an interior manufacturer headquartered in Oki Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, was founded in 1886 (Meiji 19). Based in Kyushu, a major production area for rush grass cultivation, we have been developing and selling products mainly focused on tatami and rush grass products. As inheritors of this rush grass industry rooted in the local area, we continue to provide rush grass products that suit modern lifestyles.
[Company Profile]
Company Name: IKEHIKO Corporation
Head Office Location: 1052 Sanpachi-matsu, Oki Town, Mizuma-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture 830-0424
Representative Director: Kosei Inoguchi, President and Representative Director
Business Activities: Manufacturing and wholesale of interior products
Founded: 1886
Phone: 0944-32-1203