August 06, 2026
[A Purely Japanese Miracle] From Nara’s “Gosho-no-Tatami” to Higashiyama Culture | Over 1,200 Years of Hospitality Woven by Tatami and Bonsai
When stepping into a traditional Japanese living space, the soothing scent of tatami mats and the presence of a single bonsai tree instantly bring a sense of quiet tranquility to the mind. While tatami is something many of us touch without a second thought, did you know that it was not imported from overseas, but is actually a 100% "originally Japanese" flooring material created by ancient Japanese people to suit their local climate?
The history of tatami dates back to the Nara period (8th century), with its origin being the "Gosho-no-Tatami" used by Emperor Shomu, which is preserved in the Shosoin Repository as the world’s oldest existing tatami. In those days, tatami mats were luxury movable seating cushions or bedding. However, during the Higashiyama culture of the Muromachi period, the creation of "Shoin-zukuri" architectural style—infused with the spirit of Zen—established the modern Japanese-style room culture of covering an entire floor with tatami.
Interestingly, the proper way of sitting during the Muromachi period—what was considered "seiza" (formal sitting) back then—was not the modern knee-kneeling posture, but rather sitting cross-legged (anza). Sitting cross-legged directly on a hard, cold wooden floor puts a strain on the pelvis and lower back, but tatami, with its comfortable cushioning and heat retention, was exceptionally well-suited for sitting cross-legged for extended periods. The spread of this comfortable floor-based lifestyle laid the foundation for a residential culture centered around relaxing indoors and enjoying deep conversation.
It was also during this era of Higashiyama culture that "bonsai" became deeply entwined with this tatami-covered space. The host would invite guests into the most prestigious tatami-carpeted room, placing a bonsai tree—a miniature expression of seasonal scenery—in the tokonoma (alcove) at the seat of honor. This expressed deep respect and heartfelt hospitality beyond words. The relationship where sitting cross-legged offers a low viewpoint that highlights the true three-dimensional depth of the bonsai, combined with how the natural texture of igusa (rush grass) beautifully enhances the vivid green life of the tree, is truly a crystallization of Japan’s unique aesthetic sense.
The history of tatami dates back to the Nara period (8th century), with its origin being the "Gosho-no-Tatami" used by Emperor Shomu, which is preserved in the Shosoin Repository as the world’s oldest existing tatami. In those days, tatami mats were luxury movable seating cushions or bedding. However, during the Higashiyama culture of the Muromachi period, the creation of "Shoin-zukuri" architectural style—infused with the spirit of Zen—established the modern Japanese-style room culture of covering an entire floor with tatami.
Interestingly, the proper way of sitting during the Muromachi period—what was considered "seiza" (formal sitting) back then—was not the modern knee-kneeling posture, but rather sitting cross-legged (anza). Sitting cross-legged directly on a hard, cold wooden floor puts a strain on the pelvis and lower back, but tatami, with its comfortable cushioning and heat retention, was exceptionally well-suited for sitting cross-legged for extended periods. The spread of this comfortable floor-based lifestyle laid the foundation for a residential culture centered around relaxing indoors and enjoying deep conversation.
It was also during this era of Higashiyama culture that "bonsai" became deeply entwined with this tatami-covered space. The host would invite guests into the most prestigious tatami-carpeted room, placing a bonsai tree—a miniature expression of seasonal scenery—in the tokonoma (alcove) at the seat of honor. This expressed deep respect and heartfelt hospitality beyond words. The relationship where sitting cross-legged offers a low viewpoint that highlights the true three-dimensional depth of the bonsai, combined with how the natural texture of igusa (rush grass) beautifully enhances the vivid green life of the tree, is truly a crystallization of Japan’s unique aesthetic sense.
