The Essential Role of Tatami in Traditional Japanese Rooms

[和樂web様より転載、多紀理、翻訳推敲修正]

The Essential Role of Tatami in Traditional Japanese Rooms

The exact origins of tatami remain unclear, though some suggest that it dates back to the Yayoi period when rice straw was used as flooring.

In ancient texts such as the Kojiki, terms like "kudatami" and "kawatatami" are mentioned. Similarly, the Nihon Shoki references "yaemusirokomo," indicating that tatami mats were used in ancient times.

Archaeological findings reveal traces of rice straw used as flooring in ancient dwellings. Thin woven mats known as mushiro and komo, made from straw or rush, resembled rollable mats rather than the tatami we know today.

As temple architecture became widespread during the Nara to Heian periods, it appears that a distinction in flooring emerged: lower-class commoners used mushiro and komo, while higher-class nobles used tatami mats.

Tatami was utilized not only for seating but also as bedding and as a means to entertain guests of high status. Unlike today's practice of permanent tatami flooring, the color and size of the tatami’s edging varied according to the status of the person being entertained.

With the advent of shoin-zukuri architecture, entire rooms started to be covered with tatami mats to welcome guests. Thus, tatami inherently embodies the spirit of hospitality.

During the Edo period, tatami flooring became widespread. There are two main styles of tatami arrangement: "shugijiki" (celebratory) and "fushugijiki" (non-celebratory).

"Shugijiki" is characterized by alternating tatami mats so that their seams form a T-shape, while "fushugijiki" involves parallel alignment, forming a cross-shape seam.

In the past, tatami arrangements were changed to suit occasions like celebrations or funerals. Nowadays, this practice has largely faded, and the "shugijiki" style is generally used in private homes. However, temples conducting funerals still use the "fushugijiki" style, as parallel alignment minimizes wear due to uniform movement during ceremonies.

Furthermore, "fushugijiki" allows for easier replacement of tatami mats, which is why many inns and hotels adopt this style in large halls.

Innovative uses of tatami, such as in temples that incorporate artistic designs, have also emerged recently. For example, the Honryoji Temple in Kamo, Niigata Prefecture, features the "Unryu Tatami" with a dragon design that changes expression with the light.

Though the details of tatami arrangements may often go unnoticed, a closer look reveals a rich cultural significance. After reading this article, you may find yourself checking the tatami arrangement in your next Japanese-style room stay.

参考：佐藤理 (著), 山田幸一 (監修)『畳のはなし (物語ものの建築史)』（1985　鹿島出版会）