Father and son, Ryushi, smiling as they stand side by side in a tatami workshop with tools and materials in the background.

Carrying 150 Years of Tradition into the Future

Meet Mr. Ryuji Koyanagi, the Fifth-Generation Tatami Craftsman

Kohaku is proud to announce that we now carry beautifully crafted tatami products from Koyanagi Tatami Shop, a family-owned business in Isahaya, Nagasaki, Japan.
Founded in 1865, this shop has continued to make tatami for over 150 years. Today, it is led by Mr. Ryuji Koyanagi, the fifth-generation craftsman who is bringing new life to traditional tatami.

A small, lush green island surrounded by calm blue ocean under a clear sky in Isahaya, Nagasaki.

We had the chance to interview Mr. Koyanagi and learn about his story, his passion, and his vision for the future of tatami. Here’s what we discovered.

A Childhood Dream: Becoming a Tatami Maker

Mr. Koyanagi decided to become a tatami maker when he was just a child.
“I already knew in kindergarten that I wanted to do this. My grandfather, the third-generation craftsman, also told me that I should take over one day,” he said with a smile.

Ryuji working in a traditional tatami workshop, adjusting a freshly woven sheet with focus and precision.

After finishing high school, he went on to study at a tatami technical school. There, he focused on using igusa (Japanese rush grass), especially from Kumamoto, known for its high quality. Today, he continues to improve his skills by working with natural materials every day.

Not Just Skills — But Also Ideas

Tatami book covers and small floor cushions made from igusa, displayed on a wooden surface. Handcrafted items designed for modern lifestyles.

As a young craftsman, Mr. Koyanagi wants to share the beauty of tatami with modern lifestyles. He creates not only traditional mats but also new items that make tatami easy to enjoy in daily life:

  • Tatami Book Covers
    These let you enjoy the relaxing scent of igusa while reading.
  • Cushions for Sitting on the Floor
    Great for meditation or casual seating in both Japanese and Western-style rooms.
  • Name Plaques for Babies
    A unique gift idea that includes the baby’s name and the scent of natural tatami.

“These products started as an idea from my father, but there were no places to sell them. So I began selling them on Amazon. Many customers liked the design,” he explained.

Adapting to a Changing World

The number of tatami craftsmen is decreasing in Japan, and fewer people are using tatami in their homes.

Mr. Koyanagi said, “We need to create products that match modern lifestyles. Younger people and people overseas are interested in design and meaning. If we want tatami to survive, we have to change and connect with them.”

A traditional tatami mat in the process of being hand-stitched, with needles, thread, and a ruler placed on top.

That’s why he focuses not only on keeping the tradition, but also on designing attractive, high-quality tatami products that fit today's homes.

Tatami: The Japanese Persian Rug?

A craftsman’s hands delicately stitching a tatami mat, highlighting the precision and tradition behind tatami-making.

When we asked what he hopes for tatami in the future, Mr. Koyanagi gave us a powerful idea.

“Tatami has a calming feeling. The smell, the texture, the atmosphere—it’s in the DNA of Japanese people. But I think people from other cultures feel it too. Just like Persian rugs are loved around the world, I believe tatami can become the Japanese version of that—a high-end, meaningful rug that represents culture.”

We were inspired by his vision.
At Kohaku, we also believe that tatami is not just flooring. It is a piece of art, a piece of nature, and a way to feel calm and centered.

Moving Forward, Together

“We want to bring tatami to the world. And I want to do it together with Kohaku,” Mr. Koyanagi told us.

Mr. Koyanagi working intently in a tatami workshop, flattening a mat by hand as steam rises from the production table.

Together, we are working to share a new tatami lifestyle with people around the world. From yoga studios to home interiors, from gift items to meditation spaces—tatami can add warmth and peace to many places.

We’ll soon be launching a new line of Koyanagi Tatami products on the Kohaku online store. Please stay tuned!

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