Tatami in FX’s Shōgun (2024): A Symbol of Power, Culture, and Craftsmanship
Introduction
FX’s 2024 historical drama Shōgun has captured global attention—not only for its gripping storytelling and stunning cinematography but also for its meticulous portrayal of traditional Japanese culture. While samurai, kimonos, and shoji screens stand out visually, there's one traditional element that quietly dominates every major scene: tatami.
What is Tatami?
Tatami are traditional Japanese floor mats crafted from woven rush grass (igusa) and cloth borders. Historically, they were standard flooring in aristocratic homes, temples, and tea houses. Each mat has a standardized size (approximately 0.9m x 1.8m), and when laid in specific patterns, tatami reflect social hierarchy and harmony in interior design.
In Shōgun, tatami is more than set decoration—it defines space, status, and solemnity.
How Tatami Is Used in Shōgun (2024)
1. Visual Authenticity
From daimyo halls to intimate tea rooms, tatami grounds the set in 17th-century Japan. The series’ commitment to historical accuracy includes using real tatami in various spaces, enhancing the immersive atmosphere.
2. Hierarchy and Distance
In several scenes, you’ll notice characters sitting at specific distances from their lords. This isn’t arbitrary—it’s based on tatami units. Historically, the farther you sit from the central figure, the lower your social rank. The show subtly illustrates this through character positioning on the mats.
3. A Stage for Rituals
Whether it’s political negotiations, tea ceremonies, or silent confrontations, these moments all unfold on tatami. Its natural cushioning, muted aesthetic, and cultural weight create a perfect stage for these refined, tension-filled scenes.
Tatami: A Cultural Symbol Beneath the Surface
What makes tatami so essential in Shōgun is how it embodies the values of the era: discipline, harmony, and humility. While western viewers might not immediately notice, Japanese audiences and design enthusiasts recognize tatami as the quiet yet powerful backbone of traditional interiors.
Just as Shōgun revives global interest in samurai and Edo-period culture, it also reintroduces the timeless value of tatami—a piece of craftsmanship still alive today.
Discover Tatami for Yourself
Want to bring this tradition into your life? At Kohaku, we craft high-quality tatami mats using natural rush from Japan—infused with the same principles of elegance and tradition found in Shōgun.
Experience the scent, the texture, and the grounding energy of real tatami—wherever you are.