The origin of tatami dates back to the Jomon to Yayoi periods. Many traces of laying rice straw in the dwellings have been found, suggesting they utilized agricultural products like rugs. Japan’s oldest historical book, “Kojiki”, describes “Sugatatami (made with sedge),” “Leather Tatami,” and “Silk Tatami,” and it is assumed that “Tatami” existed from this period. And the oldest tatami in existence is called “Gosho no tatami,” which was used by Emperor Shomu in the Shosoin at Todaiji Temple in Nara.The Gosho no tatami is a thick mat made of five or six layers of woven straw mats, covered with straw mats made of rush grass on the surface, and trimmed with brocade edge like today’s tatami. These were placed on a wooden stand and side by side as beds.

In the Heian period, when the architectural style of nobility residences changed to the “Shinden-zukuri” style, tatami was placed on the wooden floors as seating and bedding.Shinden-zukuri became widespread, with the ordinary people using mushiro or komo and the nobility using tatami. It was utilized as a tool for seating, sleeping, and entertaining guests and people of high status.The size, thickness, and color of the edges of the tatami differed according to status.

In the Kamakura to Muromachi periods, when the Shoin-zukuri style houses became popular, the “Tatami-shiki style” covered the entire floor and was used instead of the “Itashiki style,” placed partially on the floor.Tatami was used not only as a tool for seating and sleeping but also as an architectural material.Futon, which developed from Tatami, was also born at this time.

From the Momoyama period to the Edo period, tatami spread to ordinary people with Sukiya-zukuri houses, and a hierarchy of masters and artisans emerged among tatami craftspeople. The Sukiya style is characterized by a simple design with a tea ceremony room. From the mid-Edo period onward, with the spread of the tea ceremony room and the tea ceremony, tatami began to spread to the ordinary people. The shogunate purchased tatami, and gradually, tatami magistrates, tatami masters, and tatami shops appeared, and the sight of people drying tatami could be seen everywhere.

Today, regardless of the type of detached house, condominium, or apartment, Japanese-style rooms are decreasing, and Western-style room layouts are increasing. It is thought that the widespread use of chairs and tables has led to a change from tatami to wooden flooring and a decrease in the style of living on tatami. Another reason is that creating a Japanese-style room and laying down tatami requires other components, such as shoji and fusuma, and these components are also costly. However, the cushioning, pleasant texture, easy care, and Japanese atmosphere of tatami are also famous, and a variety of tatami, including those that can be used easily as interior decorations, have been produced and have long-standing popularity.