Tatami, a tradition of Japan
The fresh scent of igusa and its pleasant touch have accompanied daily life since ancient times,
bringing a sense of calm.
Today, western-style rooms have become the norm, and time spent with tatami has grown limited.
The natural gifts hidden in igusa
Igusa, the material tatami is made from, has a range of natural properties.
It absorbs moisture to prevent clamminess, reduces odor, resists bacteria,
cushions underfoot, insulates against heat and cold, and has a calming effect.
For these reasons we use insoles made from igusa grown in Kyushu (Kumamoto and Fukuoka).
The result is footwear that stays comfortable even worn barefoot.
Read more here
The natural-colored insole is made from tatami offcuts that would otherwise have been discarded.
We upcycle those offcuts, giving them new value and a second life.
Tatami is made from a plant called igusa
In an age when so much around us is inorganic,
igusa is a natural material, organic, that touches the body directly.
We hope that wearing these shoes brings the realisation that you are standing on nature,
and becomes a moment to consider your own relationship with it.
Protecting the culture
As western-style rooms have spread, homes with tatami have declined and demand has shrunk.
Imports of inexpensive foreign igusa have also risen, and around 80% of the tatami
sold in Japan today is imported.
More than 90% of Japan's igusa is grown in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Yet the 1,340 igusa farms recorded in 2002 had fallen to 363 by 2020 (*)
The survival of igusa and tatami culture in Japan is at a critical point
(*) Circumstances surrounding igusa (tatami facing), July 2021, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Domestic and imported igusa
The main difference lies in the density inside the igusa stem.
Japanese igusa is tightly packed with fibre in cross-section, with a thick, robust outer skin
It is therefore highly durable, with a firm, resilient feel underfoot.
The scent differs too: Japanese tatami carries the hay-like fragrance natural to igusa
The color is even, and the sheen is not lost with years of use.
By bringing tatami into fashion, Liberato hopes people will rediscover
how good it feels, and that we can play some part in protecting
a traditional culture of Japan.
Our Materials
• Himeji Leather
• Igusa Benefits