FAQ
About the material
Are these made from real tatami?
Yes — modern tatami weave, made on the same looms we use for floor mats in our Kumamoto workshop. The difference is the fiber: a contemporary material chosen for washability and color-fastness, rather than traditional igusa rush grass.
Why not traditional igusa?
Traditional tatami is beautiful but thirsty. It stains, it yellows in sunlight, and it can't be washed. We wanted to make pieces you'd actually use every day — so we use a modern tatami fiber developed in Japan for durability. Same texture, same softness, far more forgiving.
Is it vegan / is there any animal fiber?
Yes, fully vegan. The weave is a plant-based synthetic fiber; edges are bound with cotton.
Use & care
Will they stain?
Wipe-clean for most spills. Red wine, oil, coffee, and soy all come out with a damp cloth and mild soap. For a deep clean, rinse under the tap and lay flat to dry. See our Care page for the full guide.
Are they heat-resistant?
Safe up to about 250°F / 120°C — fine for a hot dinner plate, a teapot, or a baking dish straight from the oven if you give it a moment first.
Can I use them outside?
We recommend indoor use. Occasional outdoor dinners are fine, but extended sun and rain will age the weave faster.
Sizes & sets
One piece or a set?
Most pieces are sold individually. Most customers buy two or four of the same item. Mixing colors is encouraged — we designed the tones to live together.
Will the placemats fit an American dinner plate?
Yes. Our standard placemat is 14" × 19" — sized for a full American place setting (dinner plate, bread plate, glass, flatware) with room to breathe.
Shipping & returns
Where do you ship from?
From our workshop in Kumamoto, Japan. US delivery is typically 5–8 business days. Full details on the Shipping & Returns page.
Will I pay customs duties?
Depending on the destination, possibly. Customs rules vary by country and change over time, so we can't quote exact figures. If you'd like an estimate before ordering, please write to us at tatamino.net@gmail.com.
What if a piece wears out?
Send it back. We'll repair it. You cover shipping to Kumamoto; we cover the repair and the return trip. For life.
Gifts
Can I add a note?
Yes. At checkout, you can add a handwritten note to your order. We wrap each piece in unbleached paper with cotton cord and include your message, signed from the workshop.
Do you offer gift cards?
Not yet. It's on our list.
Other
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes — for stockists who match our quiet craft aesthetic, please write to us with a link to your store and what you're thinking.
Are you on Instagram?
Yes: @tatamino.japan — updates from the workshop, often quietly and not every day.