Originally a luxury that only the wealthy could afford, tatami space remains its exclusivity in the present time. But instead of the value in money, it is now treasured for its tradition and adaptability worth. The Tatami mats are made from woven straw with a rice straw core and have been a staple in Japanese homes for centuries.
They are typically about 90 cm by 180 cm in size, although the dimensions can vary by region (sizes listed below). Japanese-style spaces and tatami are closely attached, as thick as thieves. Even today, tatami mats are widely used in houses, (traditional inns), , and even restaurants and cafes.
The tatami room is also still present in many housing buildings in Japan, regardless of how modernly chic the houses are. While the room strongly boosts the space’s Japanese heritage essence, its great functionality and usage adaptability ensure its relevance in current dwellings. The Japanese word traces its origin back to the verb 畳む ( ; to fold).
This comes from the simple fact that when not in use, the mats were often folded or stacked. for They were designed to offer a cushion against the hard wooden or dirt floors of early Japanese homes. During the Muromachi Period (1336–1573), the tatami room was mainly used by the elite as a study or meditation room.
Over time, it gradually became more common among the general population, expanding into living and sleeping areas. By the Edo Period (1603–1868), washitsu had become a quintessential part of Jap.