mitsuru yokoyama entwines traditional tatami craft in contemporary objects

‘in terms of art or furniture, tatami should be regarded a little differently I think. it is hard to categorize, but it is a living piece; it lives with you, it creates an atmosphere,’ explains kyoto-based tatami artisan mitsuru yokoyama. the japanese craftsman’s career is deeply interwoven with his speciality of handmade tatami, which is used for traditional architecture in japan. he is a master of the art and craft as he uses the technique to conceive furnishings of rich, beautiful age-old charm as well as pieces of progressive evolution. mitsuru leads this future, always paying tribute to the traditional techniques but pushing the boundaries of the craft to adapt to our modern lifestyles.

as such, the craftsman launches the ISHOKU series of tatami wall coverings with dutch designer mae engelgeer.

portrait of mitsuru yokoyama
(main image: kyoto studio © reylia slaby)

in his youth, mitsuru yokoyama travelled quite extensively in europe, the US, and australia. this period in his life made him desire to reconnect to his culture and share something about japan with the world. it also made him treasure the few possessions he had, channelling the belief that items evolve to reflect their owners and that, therefore, crafted quality is worth the investment. this was why he tried his hand at a traditional skill. now, as a first class certified tatami craftsman as well as instructor, his take on the artwork has been exhibited – and taught – across his home country and around the globe, too. working with several international designers, he has featured at the kyoto contemporary and paris’ maison objet in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to mention a few, and will showcase at homofaber in 2021.

images © frédéric mery | hanslucas

tatami is a type of mat originally used as a flooring material for traditional japanese spaces. now, it has applications in all cultures as well as interiors. traditionally the cores of tatami are made using rice straw, but contemporary versions are often composed of compressed wood chip board, polystyrene foam, or a mix, which is then covered with a natural or dyed woven soft rush. traditional sizes embrace a fabric boarder (kyoto 191×95.5cm or tokyo 176x88cm) whereas contemporary versions often feature no edge.

images © frédéric mery | hanslucas

tatami can be made using two types of construction – handmade or machine. hand sewn mats benefit from several internal characteristics that are literally woven into the coverings. handcrafted tatami ensures each mat is unique with special, intricate qualities. they are also only made with natural bases. machine tatami can be created with a quicker process.

images © frédéric mery | hanslucas

mitsuru yokoyama represents a new generation of craftsmen who are committed to protecting tradition but striving for innovation. his work is often defined by bold statements, like the distinguished black tatami and his dedication to high quality. he manufactures all shapes and sizes to perfectly fit the client’s needs. mitsuru even handworks on all machine-made tatami to ensure a unique character is created.

black tatami in ryosokuin temple, kyoto
image © naoyuki ogino

‘the beautiful thing about tatami is that it is so functional. it is hardy and clean while powerfully elegant. you can experience your life on it. we (japanese) treat it with respect but tatami is daily. it is central to lifestyle. essential in the functioning of a home; a space to sleep, for communication, dining, meditation, worship, entertainment, and so on. because of this ability to gather experiences, I think tatami is really more of a ‘space’ than an object,’ comments mitsuru yokoyama. ‘what I make, and all japanese craftsmen make, ages with you. this is an investment in yourself, your life. I really believe that something you have for a long time makes memories with you – it fits you.’

ISHOKU © naomi jamie studio

its his distinct impression of tatami that constantly pushes his work to explore and adapt the craft form. his latest exploration sees him collaborate with dutch designer mae engelgeer to launch a new product called ISHOKU. the series comprises a set of wall pieces, each differentiated by unusual colored woven tatami mats. as seen in traditional mats, the creations are all framed finished with a hand-stitched textile edge.

ISHOKU series marks the first collaboration between the pair, who not only share a mutual interest in crafts but also the practice of entwining this heritage into contemporary objects. the dutch designer has a curiosity for craft, experimenting and pushing the existing boundaries of textile production specifically. mitsuru yokoyama equally looks to elevate old techniques for the modern day. their new pieces, having taken several months to create in kyoto, embrace subtle color palettes, patterns, and linear elements. furnishing your interiors, they are contemporary objects of tactility and dimensionality but deeply rooted in heritage.