The Impact of the Kumamoto Earthquake on Kumamoto-Grown Igusa (Rush Grass), and How TOKYO TATAMI MAKER Is Responding

Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the recent earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, which registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7.

One of the materials we value most in our tatami making is igusa (rush grass) grown in Kumamoto Prefecture. Because of this, we want to share what we currently know about the impact on the growing region, as well as how it affects our own production.

Damage Has Occurred in Kumamoto’s Igusa-Growing Region

Kumamoto is Japan’s largest igusa-producing region, with Yatsushiro City and Hikawa Town serving as key production areas.

The earthquake has caused damage including collapsed farm workshops and storage buildings, broken looms and other equipment used to weave tatami facing (tatami-omote), and damage to agricultural irrigation channels.

Growing igusa alone doesn’t produce tatami facing. After harvesting and drying, farmers weave each individual strand of igusa on a loom to create tatami-omote (the woven surface layer of a tatami mat). Because of this, damage to buildings, looms, and irrigation infrastructure could affect production going forward.

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At This Time, Our Manufacturing and Shipping Are Not Affected

Currently, there is no impact on TOKYO TATAMI MAKER’s product supply.

We hold a sufficient stock of Kumamoto-grown igusa harvested last year. Because of this, our custom-sized tatami, shipped directly from our workshop, continues to be manufactured and shipped as usual.

The 15cm tatami-omote sample squares we ship to customers overseas via FedEx are also being provided as usual at this time.

For customers who have already placed an order, as well as those considering an order, there is currently no impact on delivery times due to the earthquake.

There May Be an Impact From Autumn Onward

That said, we need to carefully monitor the situation from autumn onward, when this year’s newly harvested igusa normally begins to enter full distribution.

Depending on how the growing region recovers and on tatami-omote production volumes, there is a possibility that raw material supply, and delivery times for some products, could be affected later in the year.

We will share updates on our website as soon as new information becomes available.

Continuing to Use Kumamoto Igusa Is One Way We Can Support the Region

For many years, we have made our tatami using the high-quality igusa grown by producers in Kumamoto. That commitment has not changed because of this earthquake.

We believe that continuing to actively use and deliver Kumamoto-grown igusa to our customers is one of the most meaningful, long-term ways we can support the growing region.

We sincerely hope for the fastest possible recovery for the affected areas, and for the day when igusa farmers can once again grow their crop with peace of mind.