Historically, tatami was supposedly used in Heian Period. These rush mats are spread in the rooms depicted in the picture scrolls of the Tale of Genji. The original model for the design of tatami rooms was devised during the construction of the Silver Pavilion in the Muromachi Period, and tatami subsequently became widely available for use in the houses of the general population in the Edo Period.

In the past, Japanese houses were characterized by earthen floors, tatami and sliding paper doors. Most houses had earthen floors and plastered walls. The second you entered a house you would feel relaxed, warm in winter and cool in summer. Those houses were made entirely of the least expensive and locally available natural resources. Our forerunners were thought to have had a good command of the products of nature while enjoying seasonal changes. It appears that many Japanese people of the day have left behind memories of daily life in the past.

Igusa is a primary material used to make tatami, the surface of which is carpeted by igusa. Incidentally, tatami has recently begun to be made of artificial materials instead of igusa. Conversely, all offerings made of igusa come up with natural Japanese igusa. One Kyushu craftsman engaged in carefully cultivating igusa said:

"We plant igusa in the cold season in December and reaped it in the hot days of July. During the weaving of the igusa, which had been cultivated with affection for more than six months, we handled the woven igusa with the utmost care, as if hugging our own children." Thus woven luncheon mats, coasters, rush mats or tatami made of finished igusa remind us of the loveliness and gifts of nature in our daily life. ¢¡