Crafting Traditional Tatami: A Journey into the Artistry of Tatami-Making with a Skilled Craftsman and Mini Tatami Making Experience

【STORY】

Tatami is a unique traditional culture in Japan that is said to have originated approximately 1300 years ago. 

Used for Japanese style rooms in traditional Japanese inns, as sports mats in judo, and for creating spaces in tea ceremonies, flower arranging (Ikebana), and religious temples, tatami has been utilized in various situations in Japan. In the past, tatami was considered a luxury item, accessible only to the Emperor and high-ranking nobility. However, it gradually spread among the common people from the Edo period(1603-1838), and modern tatami culture took root. 

With its excellent moisture absorption and insulation properties, tatami has been highly valued in Japan's four-season climate, providing coolness in summer and warmth in winter. Additionally, the raw material of tatami, igusa (rush grass), has a unique fragrance and offers a soothing effect similar to forest bathing. 

Despite its historical significance, the demand for traditional Japanese rooms with tatami has decreased in modern times due to the prevalence of flooring and the mechanization of tatami production. As a result, both tatami and tatami craftsmen are in decline. 

However, in Tokyo's Asakusabashi district, there is a long-established tatami shop called Kanai Tatami Store that continues to embody the charm of tatami and explore its potential. The store values the traditional hand-sewn technique passed down through generations while proposing new tatami designs that align with the changing times. 

In this program, you will have the opportunity to experience a tatami craftsman's production demonstration and create a mini tatami at the Kanai Tatami Store. Touch upon the charm and traditions of tatami, a beloved aspect of Japanese culture for over a millennium, and learn about the dedication and skills of the craftsmen who continue to preserve it.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Tour an exclusive tatami workshop not usually open to the public!
  
• Craft your very own unique mini tatami!
• Witness a live demonstration of traditional tatami-making techniques by a 4th generation tatami craftsman!
  
• We will guide you carefully with a professional guide.
  

【SCHEDULE】

You can choose the start time for this plan. Please choose your preferred start time when you make your reservation.
（※The following is provided as an example, indicating the reference time.）

[08:55] Assembly (at the Kanai Tatami Store, 1st-floor workshop)
[09:00]  Production demonstration by tatami craftsman
[09:30] Selection of materials for the tatami to be crafted
[09:40] Start of mini tatami crafting
[10:20] Final touches are made while making corrections with the craftsman
[10:50] Conclusion ~ Photo session
[11:00] Dismissal at the venue

You can take home the finished product as a souvenir.

【EXPERIENCE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION】

◆About Kanai Tatami Store:

Kanai Tatami Store, established in 1911, is a long-standing tatami shop located in Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo. In this town brimming with old-town charm, the store has proudly displayed its sign for over a century. In addition to producing and replacing high-quality tatami for places like shrines and temples, the store introduces new ideas such as unique colored tatami and tatami mats designed for flooring.

◆About the Tatami Production Demonstration:

Currently, over 95% of tatami is machine-made, but Kanai Tatami Store places great importance on the fundamental handwork involved in tatami production. The hand-sewn technique tailored to the customer's needs is a true artisan skill, and during this event, you can witness the traditional craftsmanship of tatami craftsmen up close.

◆About the Mini Tatami Crafting Experience:

Centered around the theme of "Choose, Create, Feel," participants can experience the creation of a simplified tatami. This hands-on experience allows you to understand the difficulty and structure of making tatami, going beyond what can be conveyed through observation alone.

〇Mini Tatami Overview:

・Made from pure domestically sourced tatami material (natural igusa from Kumamoto Prefecture).
・Size: iPad mini (20.5cm × 13.5cm × 1.5cm) *Size can be customized.
・Choice of color and pattern for the tatami edging.

〇Usage Ideas:

・Use it as a substitute for a tray to serve tea and sweets. 
・Place it under miscellaneous items as a decorative tatami.
・Also available for purchase as a souvenir from Japan.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：150 minutes
• Meeting Point：Kanai Tatami Store
  *We are waiting for you in front of our workshop on the first floor.  [MAP]
  2-13-9 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0053
  
• Access：
  ・Toei Asakusa Line - Asakusabashi Station: 3 minutes on foot from Exit "A4"
  ・JR Sobu Line - Asakusabashi Station: 5 minutes on foot from the east exit
  ・Toei Oedo Line - Kuramae Station: 10 minutes on foot from Exit "A3"
  
• Minimum number of participants：2 people
• Language support：Japanese, English
  
• Included：
  ・Experience fee
  ・Tools and materials used for the experience
  ・Mini tatami
  ・Guide fee
  
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation expenses to the experience venue
  
• Iterms to bring：Nothing　
  
• Clothes：Come dressed as you please.
  
• Participation requirements：Because of the handling of blades, the minimum age for hands-on experience is 6 years old. (Those under 6 years of age may participate in the workshop as long as they only observe. Please contact us if you wish to participate. Parents are responsible for their children's safety.)
  
• Free wi-fi：No
  
• Toilet：Yes（Western-style)
• Other things to note:
  ・This plan is a reservation upon request.
  ・Please note that it may not be available based on availability and the number of participants. In such cases, we may provide information on alternative dates. Thank you for your understanding.
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%