Tatami-beri × Traditional Patterns × Wa-Modern Accessories Artisan | ハンドメイドは静岡の実績豊富なCraft Town | ブログ

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

It was when COVID-19 began to spread in 2020.

I participated in a workshop hosted by a tatami shop, where I encountered the wide variety of tatami-beri fabrics for the first time.

That day, I purchased several pieces of fabric that caught my eye. For the next few days, I kept touching the fabric and imagining what I could create, going through a process of trial and error.

At that time, society felt very unstable due to the pandemic. Adults were living with anxiety, facing an uncertain future. Children suddenly found their schools closed, making it difficult to meet friends, talk face-to-face, and play together.

Amid all this, I suddenly thought, “I want to create something cute that children can make together with me.” I wanted to make something that gently stays close and says, “It’s going to be okay.”

This feeling became the starting point of my journey as a creator.

The History of Tatami-beri

Tatami edging, known as tatami-beri, originally serves to protect the edges of tatami mats.

It originated in the Heian period as the decorative border of tatami, and at that time, it was used on raised tatami mats by aristocrats and high-ranking officials, serving as both decoration and a symbol of status.

During the Edo period, strict distinctions in social class were expressed through the types and patterns of tatami-beri. Later, these restrictions were lifted, allowing it to spread among the general public.

Tatami-beri has long been a familiar part of everyday life in Japan.
However, in modern times, the demand for tatami rooms has decreased.
At the same time, both tatami and tatami-beri have continued to evolve.

Today, they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Tatami-beri is characterized by its lightness, firmness, and durability.

Several types of threads are used in its construction, each offering a different texture and feel.

Each piece of tatami-beri feels like a completed work of art in itself, and I find them truly remarkable.

The Philosophy Behind Tatamiberry

My work mainly focuses on small accessories.
These include eyeglass cases, pen cases, mini pouches, small wallets, and my very first creations: tatami-beri amulets and kabuto (samurai helmets).

I registered these amulet and kabuto pieces as part of an Airbnb Experience workshop, with the hope of sharing the joy of creating together with visitors from overseas.

Children who love crafts are more than welcome!

All of my works are carefully crafted to make the most of the natural characteristics of tatami-beri fabric.

What defines Tatamiberry is my commitment to designs that can only exist because they are made with tatami-beri, not with any other fabric.

Another Commitment

And there is one more important element I would like to continue incorporating into my work—
that is traditional patterns.

There are over 1,000 varieties of tatami-beri in different colors and designs, many of which feature traditional motifs.
These patterns have long been used in everyday life in Japan, and each one carries its own meaning and wishes.

Some patterns express hopes for a child’s growth, others are used for gifts, and many convey wishes for happiness and prosperity.

Traditional patterns are a way of passing heartfelt sentiments from one person to another, and they bring a sense of warmth and meaning.

I will continue creating with care and dedication, with the hope that Tatamiberry pieces can be meaningful and useful in the lives of those who choose them.

Information

You can view a variety of products on the Instagram account and shopping page below. All items will be shipped from Japan upon purchase.

Workshop

“Airbnb Experience Workshop: Create Your Own One-of-a-Kind Amulet and Kabuto Using Traditional Patterned Tatami-beri”