How to Choose Tatami

1 How to choose ‘tatami-omote’

Igusa produced in Japan

Tatami-omote made in Japan

• Japanese omote is the best quality in the world, while price varies the durability and aesthetic far out weight cheaper options.

  Igusa produced in Japan is the highest quality, it maintains its elasticity, durability, and ages well without fading and variation in color.

• There are many types, ranging from a typical selection to the luxury product

  Igusa grown and made in Japan still has grades of quality and type.
  Motoyama Tatami only buys igusa of consistent quality, directly from reliable producers, our tatami-omote are produced using igusa that undergoes rigid evaluation to maintain its classification.
  We produce all levels of Japanese tatami. There is correct fit for every situation, from very high-end to regular use.

Imported products are more affordable

• Rapidly spreading due to their lower price

  Igusa produced overseas is becoming more common in apartments and rental housing because of its lower cost.

• Comparison between Igusa produced in Japan and Imported Igusa

  

  Top image: Produced in Japan / Bottom image: Imported product

  In recent years, the quality of imported igusa has improved. This is largely due to technical support from Japanese companies. However, generally speaking, the quality is still significantly lower, and there are several notable differences when compared with igusa produced in Japan:

  • Imported igusa is harvested approximately one month earlier. Because it is not fully matured, the surface is more fragile and less durable. Inspection and classification of imported products are not stringent, so the density and shape of the igusa vary greatly when used. This results in an uneven surface and dramatically reduces the longevity of the omote.
  • Drying time is much shorter to support high-volume production. This high production volume and overseas shipping also require the igusa to be dried more intensely to prevent mold. Over-drying reduces both elasticity and durability.
  • Japan has strict classification standards, but these are not adhered to in imported products. As a result, overall quality is lower and color stability is poor. To achieve color consistency similar to Japanese products, a coloring process is often used, which damages the natural material. When colored igusa is used, the dye may wear off and transfer to clothing. This process also prevents the igusa from developing the natural golden patina expected in Japanese tatami, instead leading to an unattractive, sunburnt appearance.

• Recommended Uses for Imported Products

  • Imported products do have suitable applications. They are well suited for rental properties, where the omote needs to be replaced frequently.
  • They are also appropriate for spaces where flooring is subject to heavy use and frequent damage, such as children’s rooms.
  • Higher-grade imported products are acceptable for high-traffic areas and, due to their affordability, can be replaced more often.

‘Washi-omote’ (Washi=Traditional Japanese Paper) and ‘Kenzai-omote’ (Kenzai=building material) has wide range of variation and is easy to maintain

• Easy to take care of, resistant to sunburn, dirt, and mold

  This type of omote is made of ‘washi’, traditional Japanese paper, woven and finished like igusa.

  It is more durable than igusa. The color only slightly changes, it has no smell and is resistant to mites and mold. One dis-advantage is that washi doesn’t have the air purifying benefits of igusa.

• There is a wide range of color variation and it will fit numerous types of rooms

  Due to the huge range of color you can customize your space.

The number of igusa woven and the weaving string increases the quality

• A higher number of igusa used in the weave creates a superior weave

  Omote that is dense, thick, and finely woven is durable and beautiful for its life span, aging consistently. As the number of igusa used to create the omote increase, as does the quality and the price.

• Weave: Cotton is reasonably priced and strong

  To weave a large number of igusa four linen threads, or combination of two linen and two cotton threads are used – this creates strength.
  In popular (mid-range) product, only two cotton threads are used.

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    For high end ‘Bingo’, four hemp threads are used.

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    For Imported omote only one or two cotton strings are used.