Kohaku Featured in Soy Source: Merging Tatami Craftsmanship with Sustainable Living
We are honored to be featured in Soy Source, the leading Japanese-language lifestyle magazine in Seattle. In their recent issue, the article “Thinking About a Sustainable Future Through Made-in-Japan Products” explores how Kohaku’s Tatami Zen Mats are not only a wellness tool but a cultural statement rooted in tradition and sustainability.
At the heart of our brand is a simple idea:
“What if we could reimagine Japanese tatami for the modern, global lifestyle?”
Our answer is the Kohaku mat—a product born from local craftsmanship in Japan’s Yatsushiro region of Kumamoto, where rush grass (Igusa) has been cultivated for over 400 years. This material carries not only the scent and feel of nature but also the wisdom of a slow, intentional life.
What the Article Highlights
- Kohaku’s commitment to revitalizing the declining tatami industry by creating new demand through yoga, meditation, and interior design
- The use of natural Japanese Igusa, known for its clean fragrance and calming psychological effects
- A circular economy approach, where Kohaku products are crafted with eco-friendly materials such as recyclable TPE, and produced in small batches to minimize waste
- The unique perspective of Ryuki Oda, the founder, who bridges Japanese tradition with a global wellness movement
A Platform for Cultural and Sustainable Change
Soy Source described Kohaku as an example of how Made-in-Japan products can lead conversations about sustainability—not just through technology, but through culture and craftsmanship.
“It’s not about mass production. It’s about meaningful production.”
— Soy Source Magazine
Discover More About Kohaku
At Kohaku, we believe that tatami has the power to reconnect people with nature, mindfulness, and themselves—wherever they are in the world.
Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a lover of Japanese culture, or someone simply seeking a natural way to rest and focus, our mats are made for you.
Read the original Japanese article here:
メイド・イン・ジャパンで循環型社会を考える（前編）〜ゆる〜くSDGsな消費者生活 | Soy Source
(Published by Soy Source, a Japanese-language lifestyle magazine in Seattle.)