April 29 is “Tatami Day”〜Hagiwara Co., Ltd. offers a “soothing space with igusa” and free photo sessions at “Flat Festa 2026,” held on 4/29

Did you know that April 29 is “Tatami Day”?
Tatami Day was established by the National Tatami Industry Promotion Association and is observed twice a year, on April 29 and September 24.

At “Flat Festa 2026,” held on April 29 in Mizushima, Kurashiki City, Kurashiki-based Hagihara Co., Ltd. (hereafter “Hagihara”) will exhibit, creating a special space where visitors can experience the appeal of soothing igusa (rush grass).

Here’s a look at a new way to enjoy Japanese style that’s especially worth discovering if you haven’t touched tatami at home lately.

What is “Flat Festa 2026,” where people of all generations can connect?

“Flat Festa 2026” is a community event bringing together music, hands-on activities, and things people “want to try.” It will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (national holiday), at Mizushima Ai Ai Salon.

That little spark of excitement—“I’d like to check it out” or “It sounds like fun.” The event aims to create a warm space where adults and children can spend time being themselves and feel inspired.

[Held April 29 (Wed)] Flat Festa 2026 — “Things we want to try” come together at Mizushima Ai Salon

If you’re looking for somewhere to go this spring, consider “Flat Festa 2026,” held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (national holiday), at Mizushima Ai Ai Salon. Featuring music, hands-on activities, and more…

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Hagihara proposes spaces that complement everyday life

Hagihara began manufacturing and selling hana-goza (rush grass mats), a local Kurashiki industry, in 1892, and will celebrate its 135th anniversary in 2027.

As lifestyles have shifted toward Western styles over time, the company has expanded beyond traditional igusa products to offer a wide range of items, including portable tatami mats suited to wood flooring, furniture, and interior accessories.

Rather than simply selling products, the company continues to take on new challenges as it proposes comfortable spaces that fit modern lifestyles.

To help local Kurashiki residents discover what makes Hagihara special, the company will take part in the event with two hands-on booths themed around igusa.

Event highlights! A relaxing space and free photo booth

Hagihara is offering two main attractions at this event.

• Kids’ and relaxation space featuring portable tatami mats
• Free photo booth with Hagihara’s professional in-house photographer

Kids’ and relaxation space featuring portable tatami mats

Portable igusa tatami mats will be laid out at the venue to create a safe place for young children to play.

Igusa feels pleasant to the touch and has a soothing fragrance that calms the mind. Visitors can relax and experience its qualities with all five senses, while enjoying how easily it creates a Japanese-style space simply by placing it on a wood floor.

Free photo booth with Hagihara’s professional in-house photographer

Visitors can enjoy a free photo session in a warm, inviting space combining portable tatami mats with the popular children’s product Ibul Mat. The photo data will be given to participants, making this a perfect way to create wonderful family memories.

Interview with Hagihara’s Tsukimoto

Ahead of the event, we spoke with Hagihara representative Tsukimoto Akio about the highlights and his thoughts on the local community.

What kind of space can visitors experience at this event being held on Tatami Day?

Tsukimoto (honorific omitted)

We’ve covered the space with our “Ayagawa” portable tatami mats to create a relaxing area filled with the fragrance of igusa, as well as a gentle, warm photo area featuring Ibul Mats.

Our dedicated young in-house photographer will take the photos, and we’ll give you the data, so we hope families will come and enjoy the experience.

Do you have any particular feelings about taking part in an event in your local community?

Tsukimoto

We hear that many people today have never had tatami in their homes, even from birth. That’s why we’re so eager for people to experience it firsthand and discover the qualities of igusa.

Finally, do you have a message for our readers?

Tsukimoto

Hagihara hopes to work toward its goal of “one igusa product in every home.”

We’d be delighted if this event or our portable tatami mats inspire you to bring some kind of igusa product into your home. We hope you’ll come by.

From the Writer

Wednesday, April 29 (national holiday) is Tatami Day.
Why not visit “Flat Festa 2026” and experience a space filled with the gentle fragrance and warmth of igusa?

Even a quick visit is sure to offer a moment that helps you unwind.

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