TOKYO TATAMI MAKER Q&A: Will Tatami Move on Carpet? And Why Are They Thinner Today?

At TOKYO TATAMI MAKER, we often receive questions from customers overseas who are considering bringing tatami into their modern homes. Below are some of the most common questions we’ve received, along with our answers.

Q: If I place igusa tatami on top of carpet, will it move around?

A:
Our tatami mats are made with a non-slip backing that prevents them from sliding on both wooden floors and carpets.
Even though modern tatami are lighter than the thick straw-filled ones you may know, they stay firmly in place during normal daily use.

Many of our customers in the U.S. and Europe have placed our igusa tatami on carpeted floors without any issues.

Q: Your tatami seem thinner than the traditional ones I’ve seen in Japan. Why is that?

A:
That’s an excellent question.

In the past, tatami cores were filled with compacted straw, and the mats were usually 50–60mm thick (about 2 inches). These were well-suited for traditional Japanese wooden houses with good ventilation.

However, modern Japanese homes are airtight for energy efficiency. In such environments, using straw can lead to problems such as mold or dust mites. For this reason, modern tatami mats often use insulation board instead of straw, making them more hygienic and durable.

Additionally, as barrier-free design has become standard in Japanese housing, thinner tatami (around 15–30mm) are now the most common.

Thicker tatami (about 50mm) are still available, but instead of straw, they use insulation board as the core material. These are mostly used in temples or older-style houses.

🧘‍♂️ Conclusion

Tatami has changed over time to adapt to modern lifestyles, but it still provides the same comfort and atmosphere that has been loved in Japan for centuries. Whether placed on hardwood or carpet, tatami can be a stable, stylish, and functional addition to your home.

If you have more questions about our tatami, please feel free to contact us — we’d be happy to help.