InSTYLE is a Fukuoka based tatami specialist that grows its tatami in Kumamoto and crafts their designs in Fukuoka. Owner Naoki Ishibashi is the 3rd generation of the business. His grandmother was a "kakegawa"* tatami weaver holding a "Fukuoka Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property Technical License", and his father was a master craftsman and member of "Fukuoka Prefecture Modern" group.
*KAKEGAWA-ORI is a technique that allows to weave up to 50% more rush grass into the mats.
The result is a tatami that lasts much longer and also ages beautifully. Instyle still uses this technique.
Whereas tatami used to be an unmisable part of daily life and interior in Japan, the production complexity, decrease in capable craftsmen, the overal aging Japanese population, a lack of successors and troubles to source raw materials and the traditional machines needed to weave tatami, the tatami business is facing many big challenges.
Mr. Ishibashi therefore tries to revitalize the industry by making tatami a new part of modern daily life, through new, beautiful designs and smart functions. Whereas traditionally tatami was mostly used as flooring in Japanese homes, Instyle creates door mats, placemats and seat cushions suitable for both traditional and modern, Western interiors. He explains that the addition of a natural element in your home or office (igusa grass) that you can touch and smell will have a healing power and brings peace to a busy life.
Mr. Ishibashi explains that due to a lack of succesors for tatami farmers, may of which are now in their 60's, a a whopping 80% of igusa rush is imported. Being located in the main production area of igusa he ensures that rather than imported, mass-produced materials, they will continue to use locally produced- and carefully woven tatami that are woven and inspected one by one.
This procress is time-consuming work; from planting seedlings in paddy fields in winter, mow once during spring, and once again during summer to straighten the grass, and the materials are difficult to work with and heavy to handle.
After harvesting, the igusa produces its unique color and aroma and is "mud-dyed" to prevent discoloration.
Ishibashi is especially working hard to make the younger generations understand the beauty and benefits of tatami: They have antibacterial- and air-purifying qualities, and the materials grown in 8 months will last for many years, which do not only make them environmentally friendly, but also a more "healthy" option over plastic and other mass produced materials.
