Q. What kinds of tatami facing do you offer?

A. All of our tatami mats are made in Japan with high attention to quality. The following types are available:

• Natural Igusa (IGUSA / Ryukyu Tatami series)
• Synthetic Resin (TOKYO Series / Sekisui Migusa)
• Washi Paper with Resin Coating (ZEN Series)
• Traditional Style with Borders (Classic Series)

Q. What’s the difference between natural and synthetic tatami surfaces?

A.

• TOKYO Series: Crafted from polypropylene, making it highly durable and easy to maintain.
• ZEN Series: Made with resin-coated washi paper that resists mold, dust mites, and color fading.
• IGUSA (Natural): Features the natural scent of Igusa grass and changes from green to golden over time for a traditional look.

Q. How is IGUSA different from Classic Igusa?

A. Classic Igusa offers superior durability, while the IGUSA series provides a similar aesthetic at a more budget-friendly price.

Q. What materials are used inside the tatami mats?

A. We use compressed wood fiberboard (insulation board) as the core instead of straw. For mats thicker than 40mm, we add Styrofoam to enhance structural strength and thermal insulation.

Q. How do floor-type tatami differ from traditional room tatami?

A. They share the same internal build, but tatami for modern floors come with non-slip backing to keep them in place on hard surfaces.

Q. What thickness options are available?

A.

• 15mm is standard
• 30mm offers enhanced comfort
• Custom thickness is available upon request
• Thinner mats are easier to clean and reduce elevation

Q. Is mold or dust mite growth a concern?

A.

• Natural Igusa: Requires proper ventilation and routine cleaning
• TOKYO & ZEN Series: Not prone to mold or mites, as they contain no organic matter

Q. Can I use tatami with underfloor heating?

A. Yes. We offer floor-heating-compatible tatami in the ZEN series. Standard thickness is 13mm. Contact us for a custom quote.

Q. Are your tatami mats pet-friendly?

A. Yes. While not completely waterproof, the TOKYO and ZEN series are stain-resistant and easy to maintain. Fully washable models are also available.

Q. Can I place furniture on the tatami?

A. Yes, standard furniture is fine. However, heavy objects like caster chairs may leave marks. We recommend using a rug or coaster under them for protection.

Q. Can I order mats in custom sizes?

A. Yes, we manufacture to the millimeter. Maximum width is 1000mm. Please visit our [Custom Order Page] for details.

Q. Do you replace old tatami in traditional rooms?

A. Yes, we can recreate tatami to match your current layout. However, removal and disposal of old mats must be handled on your end.

Q. Can you make non-standard shapes or notches for posts?

A. Yes. Rounded corners, cut-outs, and irregular shapes are available. Please send us a drawing or paper template.

Q. Do you offer tatami for beds?

A. Yes, we can create custom tatami to fit bed sizes from single to king.

Q. Can tatami be placed on wooden or tile floors?

A. Absolutely. Our modular "Oki Tatami" are specifically designed with anti-slip backings for modern flooring.

Q. Can I install the tatami myself?

A. Yes. Many of our customers choose to DIY the installation. Small size variations are absorbed by the flexibility of the mats.

Q. Do you supply directly to contractors or builders?

A. Yes. Contractors can order directly, and we’re happy to support professional installation projects.

Q. Who runs TOKYO TATAMI MAKER?

A. TOKYO TATAMI MAKER is operated by TATAMISER Inc., based in Osaka, Japan. A showroom is available by appointment only.

Q. Are there any customs duties or taxes when ordering from outside Japan?

A. Yes. Depending on your country of residence, import duties, VAT (Value-Added Tax), or other customs-related fees may be applied at the time of delivery.

■ United States (Personal Imports)

Orders valued under USD $800 are generally duty-free under the U.S. De Minimis exemption.

For orders over USD $800, import duties may be charged based on the tatami material.

Tatami Series	Main Material	Estimated Duty Rate
IGUSA Series	Natural Igusa Grass	approx. 2.3%
TOKYO Series	Resin (Migusa) Surface	approx. 5.1%
ZEN Series	Washi Paper with Coating	approx. 5.1%

Additional fees such as MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee) or HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee) may also apply.

■ Other Countries (e.g. Singapore, EU countries)

Most countries impose customs duties and/or VAT on imported goods that exceed a certain value threshold.

Tax rates, exemption limits, and import procedures vary by country and may change over time.

■ Important Notes

• Shipping costs from Japan are already included in our product prices.
• However, import-related taxes and duties are not included. These fees will be collected by the shipping carrier (such as DHL or FedEx) during the customs clearance process in your country.
• We recommend checking with your local customs office or tax authority for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your region’s import policies.