As Japan’s leading tatami and interior-material maker, TTN Corporation blends centuries-old craftsmanship with modern design—manufacturing mats, fusuma, shoji and branded lifestyle goods—keeping tatami culture alive and homes feeling beautifully Japanese.
To begin, could you please share your thoughts on traditional Japanese interior materials such as tatami mats, sliding doors, and shoji screens? Specifically, from the perspective of Japan’s cultural identity, architectural heritage, and the use of sustainable, natural materials—both domestically and internationally—what should be the key appeal points of these traditional interior elements?
When we talk about traditional Japanese interior materials like tatami mats and shoji screens, their appeal stems from a unique blend of cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and the intimate connection to nature. These materials are made from natural, sustainable resources such as rush grass for tatami and washi paper for shoji, which not only provide functional benefits but also embody the essence of Japanese aesthetics and living philosophy.
The tactile comfort of tatami, the soft filtered light through shoji screens, and the flexible spatial configurations these materials enable all contribute to a living environment that fosters tranquility and harmony. This appeal is increasingly relevant today as global consumers seek sustainable, authentic, and health-conscious design solutions. At TTN Corp, we see these traditional materials not just as relics of the past but as living elements that can adapt and evolve with modern lifestyles—both in Japan and overseas—by emphasizing their natural qualities, cultural significance, and sustainable sourcing.
Studded Sandals with a Tatami Footbed
You mentioned participation in exhibitions this year. Could you tell us when the next Cremona exhibition will be held?
Yes, the upcoming Cremona exhibition is scheduled for April 25th and 26th, 2026, which falls on a weekend, as is customary. We view these exhibitions as vital opportunities to communicate the intrinsic value of tatami—what we call “hatake” or “field”—to a broader audience. Many people, even globally, may not be familiar with the cultural and functional benefits of tatami, so these events help us bridge that knowledge gap.
You spoke earlier about promoting the goodness of tatami. Since some people may not even know what tatami is, how do you explain its cultural and functional benefits to those unfamiliar with it?
Honestly, communicating the value of tatami has always been a challenge. Many tatami craftsmen, including ourselves, tend to be humble and not naturally skilled at marketing or storytelling. To address this, we created a tatami sandal—an innovative product designed to convey the comfort and appeal of tatami in an accessible, everyday form. I personally wear these sandals, and they are extremely comfortable. The sandals even carry the subtle, pleasant scent reminiscent of a traditional Japanese room, which evokes a sense of calm and connection to nature. Our goal was to lower the barrier for people to experience tatami by integrating it into daily life through something as simple as footwear.
While many people say they love tatami, surprisingly few still have tatami flooring in their homes. This disconnect is a challenge we are actively working to overcome by developing tatami products that fit modern lifestyles and tastes.
Are these tatami sandals currently sold overseas or only within Japan?
The tatami sandals were just completed in April of this year. We are preparing for an e-commerce launch starting in August in Japan, and the platform will be accessible internationally by the end of the year. Looking ahead to next year, we plan to introduce a men’s version of these sandals, designed with softer soles for everyday wear—something more casual and comfortable compared to traditional geta wooden clogs.
Platform Sandals
There seems to be a growing appreciation for traditional Japanese products globally. How does your company’s history and approach reflect this trend?
TTN Corp’s roots trace back to 1934, beginning as a traditional tatami manufacturer in Japan. Over the decades, we have evolved by combining deep respect for craftsmanship with innovation to meet the needs of changing times. While we honor our heritage, we continuously strive to develop new products that resonate with contemporary consumers, both in Japan and abroad.
Our strength lies in listening carefully to our employees, customers, and the market to deliver tatami products that fit current lifestyles. However, the reality is that traditional Japanese rooms—washitsu—are declining rapidly. The big question for us is: How do we reinvent tatami to remain relevant in modern homes?
Could you elaborate on your vision for tatami’s future, especially considering the shrinking number of traditional rooms?
Certainly. Although traditional washitsu are becoming less common, this actually opens opportunities for new forms of tatami. For instance, our thinner tatami mats and innovative designs like “Macaron” and “Square” allow people to incorporate tatami more easily into modern living spaces. Ultimately, our mission is to revive the Japanese-style room—not by simply preserving the past, but by reintroducing the cultural and aesthetic value of tatami to contemporary Japanese society and, importantly, to international audiences as well. We want to reconnect people, especially younger generations, to the deep cultural richness embodied in tatami.
Washitsu Room, Featuring Traditional Tatami Mats.
Speaking of younger generations, many Japanese children today are unfamiliar with traditional styles. What challenges do you face in educating and engaging them with tatami culture?
It’s indeed a complex issue. Many Japanese children today grow up without much exposure to traditional interiors. To overcome this, we have started to focus on spreading awareness internationally first—through events like Cremona, the Milan Design Week, and Design Week shows. Interestingly, once tatami gains popularity abroad, Japanese people tend to become interested as well. So, our strategy is to promote tatami overseas and then bring that renewed appreciation back to Japan. This approach helps us reintroduce the true essence of traditional Japanese rooms in a way that resonates with modern tastes.
Regarding your business strategy, do you focus more on B2B or B2C sales? And are you seeking international partnerships?
Our core business is primarily B2B. However, we are actively seeking partnerships abroad for both distribution and sales to expand the reach of tatami products internationally. Currently, we are concentrating on markets like Italy and France, where fashion and design are highly influential. These countries serve as ideal platforms for introducing and popularizing traditional Japanese interiors.
With the prevalence of mass-produced, disposable furniture globally, how do you communicate the lasting value and sustainability of traditional tatami products?
The key message is health and well-being. Tatami mats may not be inexpensive, but their value goes far beyond cost. They contribute to physical comfort and mental relaxation. Being in a tatami room instills a sense of calm, refreshes the mind, and promotes health in ways that disposable furniture cannot.
We emphasize that tatami is part of Japan’s cultural heritage and offers an irreplaceable connection to nature and tradition. The durability and natural materials of our products mean they last for generations, becoming integral to family life rather than fleeting consumer goods.
Manufacturing at TTN
You mentioned establishing physical stores to build customer trust. Could you explain why this is important?
Yes, many customers today do not know where to find a reliable tatami maker, especially as many traditional tatami shops have closed down. By maintaining brick-and-mortar stores, we provide a trusted presence where customers can feel secure inviting us into their homes. These stores also serve as educational centers where people can learn about tatami’s benefits firsthand. This reduces uncertainty and builds confidence, which is crucial for a product that is often associated with traditional craftsmanship.
Finally, looking ahead five years, what goals do you hope TTN Corp will have achieved?
In five years, I hope we will have significantly expanded tatami’s presence internationally. However, it’s equally important that we do not seek growth alone. Our vision is to support and revitalize the entire tatami industry in Japan by working collaboratively with other tatami makers. We want to increase domestic demand and strengthen the network of tatami manufacturers so that this vital cultural industry not only survives but thrives. By then, I hope we can confidently say that tatami is making a strong comeback both in Japan and overseas.
For more information, visit their website at: https://ttn-corporation.co.jp/
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