This article is a tie-up with the Niigata Prefecture Federation of Small Business Associations and Manufacturing Support Centre.

Pick up 'Change Leaders' who create new value by 'changing themselves in a positive way'.

In the 18th edition, the Taira Tatami Matting Shop introduced new machinery to meet the demand for thinner tatami mats. The company is actively involved in other activities, such as community activities and classes at primary schools, in order to prevent the decline of tatami culture.

Challenges in responding to demand and developing small items to convey the quality of tatami

With the westernisation of architecture, demand for tatami continues to decline. Related industries, such as the production of the edging and tatami threads needed to make tatami, have also been forced to shrink.

In this context, Taira Tatami Shop focused on improving the quality of its products, which is worthy of trust. Tatami mat shops are in the business of going into customers' bedrooms. That is why "trust" is so important in this business. Therefore, the owner, Masato, visited igusa farmers in Kumamoto Prefecture and negotiated directly with them, with the aim of "making tatami mats that show the farmer's face". Every year, the farmers produce igusa suited to the climate of the Yamakita region.

Recently, demand for thin tatami mats has been increasing, with thin tatami mats without edges being used when designing new buildings, and tatami mats being laid on top of wooden flooring in houses without tatami mats.

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Responding to demand and developing new products

• Sewing for thin padding to meet demand
• Introduction of machines that can be used in the following ways
• The top is a thin tatami mat and the bottom is a conventional tatami mat. Lined up.
• You can see the difference at a glance when you

Conventional machines could only handle backstitching up to 30 mm thick, but now they can handle 13 mm. Thin tatami of general thickness has been completed, enabling the company to respond to requests from house builders for thin tatami. In addition, tatami mats that could only be manufactured at most 12 per day can now be produced up to 16. We are now able to respond to subcontract work requested from other regions with more time to spare.

Letting people experience the benefits of tatami by having them touch tatami accessories.

• Mokama to broaden awareness of tatami mat shops.
• Buy two Star.
• Light truck markets are held once a month from May to October.
• Held. An opportunity to get in touch with local people.
• also

The developed products are also sold at the Sanpoku Light Traffic Market organised by the Yamakita Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As it is difficult to attract people's interest by simply setting up as a tatami shop, the stall was opened by offering freshly ground drip coffee, with the aim of first getting people to stop in. The shop sells not only conventional tatami mats for use in rooms, but also thin tatami mats for use on wooden flooring, kitchen mats, tatami coasters and other products. The aim is to convey the benefits of incorporating tatami into daily life and to expand sales channels.

Creating time for children, who will be responsible for the next generation, to get to know tatami

• Making tatami coasters for children
• Experience the
• Colourful and distinctive coasters.
• numerous

As a 'Monozukuri Meister' who trains young people and communicates the appeal of craftsmanship, I am also in charge of workshop-type classes at primary schools. Many of today's primary school children do not have tatami mats at home, and there are fewer opportunities for them to come into contact with tatami mats themselves. In order to let these children of the next generation know about the benefits of tatami, I give lectures on the beneficial effects of igusa on the body and the process of making tatami. Workshops are also held to convey the fun of making things.

Our mission is also to create many opportunities for people to come into contact with tatami mats and to show them the benefits of tatami.

shopkeepers

Masato Taira.

In old houses, there were natural materials everywhere, such as bare pillars with mud walls, which breathed and absorbed moisture. However, today's houses have few natural materials, and the only thing that can breathe is tatami. Tatami played an important role in old houses, as one tatami sheet can regulate 300-500 cc of moisture. Tatami also has many other advantages, such as its high cushioning properties, which prevents the elderly and children from injuring themselves if they fall, and prevents the echo of footsteps when children are running. If this situation continues, the culture of tatami will only become obsolete. We hope to play a role in communicating the advantages of tatami in various places.

Foot-standing tatami mats', a strong ally for tired feet from desk work.

Take off your shoes and place your feet on the foot-resting tatami to refresh your tiredness. Due to the characteristics of Tatami, which excels in moisture absorption, this is a very popular product, especially in summer. Size changes are also possible, so please contact us if you are interested!

Company profile

A tatami-manufacturing and construction business in the Yamakita area of Murakami City, established more than 70 years ago. While the industry as a whole tends to purchase Chinese igusa, they purchase directly from partner farmers in Kumamoto Prefecture and are more particular about quality than others. He is also a 'Zengikuren Meister Certifier', accredited by the National Federation of Professional Tatami Artists' Associations, and is called upon as an instructor to teach workshops such as the Prefectural Tatami Association Skills Test. His technical skills are highly regarded locally and throughout the prefecture.

Contact details.

Pyeongtaek shop

Address : 650-2 Katsuki, Murakami City

○ PHONE : 0254-77-2641

○HP : http://www.tairatatami.com/