Igusa is a monocotyledonous plant in the rush family that grows in wetlands and shallow waters.
It is believed to have been brought to Japan from India via the Silk Road several thousand years ago,
and since then, Japanese people have found many uses for this versatile plant.
Tatami, which has been cherished in Japan for over a thousand years,
is recognized as a traditional culture that originated in Japan.
When tatami first began to spread throughout the country,
it was not laid on the floor as it is today, but was primarily used as bedding.
It wasn’t until the Heian period (794–1192) that tatami began to take its familiar form as flooring.
The stems of igusa contain spongy tissue that stores air,
allowing them to absorb and release air through small pores on the surface.
Thanks to these properties, igusa can absorb airborne pollutants and carbon dioxide,
while also helping to regulate humidity and temperature.
Igusa also releases natural aromatic compounds called phytoncides, which offer a soothing effect.
While igusa has traditionally been used for tatami mats,
in recent years it has found new applications in products such as wallpaper and health foods.

Today, large amounts of herbicides and insecticides are used on igusa, the natural material for tatami mats.
After harvesting, the igusa is “mud-dyed” to mask uneven coloring.
This mud-dyeing process contains colorants and PM2.5 particles, releasing harmful substances into the indoor environment where tatami mats are installed.
Factory workers are also exposed to airborne dust during production, leading to health risks.
While some farmers are working to move away from mud-dyeing,
it remains challenging to dry igusa properly without this process, making tatami mat production difficult.
Additionally, anti-mite sheets containing insecticides are used with tatami mats,
and in some public housing, the use of insecticide-treated tatami is even mandatory.
The use of these chemicals compromises the natural qualities of tatami.
Since there are no pesticide regulations specific to tatami production, the amount of chemicals used varies from farmer to farmer,
and chemical substances in the living environment can pose health risks.
Tatami, a traditional Japanese flooring beloved both in Japan and abroad,
is unfortunately facing growing concerns due to the widespread use of chemicals.

Efficacy

The True Benefits of Igusa,
Unlocked by Pesticide-Free Cultivation

The New Possibilities of Pesticide-Free Igusa

Pesticide-free igusa is bringing new value to modern interior design.
In particular, in the “Japandi” style, which combines refined aesthetics with natural materials,
the natural texture and fragrance of igusa create a sense of harmony and tranquility in the space.
Its soothing aroma fills the entire room with the refreshing feeling of forest bathing.
Because of these qualities, igusa is gaining attention not only as a flooring material but also as a wall covering and decorative accent.
Moreover, incorporating pesticide-free igusa into spaces for meditation and mindfulness can deepen relaxation even further.
Its gentle, natural fragrance enhances concentration and helps regulate breathing,
making it an ideal addition to practices that promote mental clarity and calm.
The combination of Japandi-style minimalism with the natural qualities of igusa opens up new possibilities for creating spaces that nurture both body and mind.
The use of pesticide-free igusa paves the way for a new lifestyle that blends Japanese tradition with modern well-being.
At IGUSABI, we continue to explore new applications and possibilities for igusa,
pursuing new values to share with the world.