On July 6 and 7, 2024, the annual "30th Hayashima and Kurashiki Hanagosa Festival" was held in Hayashima Town.
Once, the Hayashima area was the largest producer of rush grass in Japan.
I knew that it was held every year, but I had never attended, so this was my first time participating.
In addition to the exhibition and sale of rush grass products, there were plenty of workshops and demonstration corners. I will report on it right away.
About the "30th Hayashima and Kurashiki Hanagosa Festival"
The "30th Hayashima and Kurashiki Hanagosa Festival" was held on July 6 (Saturday) and 7 (Sunday), 2024, at the special venue of Hayashima Town Hall West.
Many local wholesalers and manufacturers exhibited, showcasing various rush grass products, including hanagosa, which were sold at special prices. Additionally, there were corners for hand weaving demonstrations and mini tatami making experiences, making it an event where you can rediscover the charm of rush grass.
I attended the event
I arrived at the venue before 11 AM on July 6.
Under the clear skies that hinted at the start of summer after the rainy season, the sales venue was already bustling with many people.
The hanagosa and tatami mats displayed under the tents could be purchased at reasonable prices, which is unique to the sales event.
In addition, there were corners for tatami mat resurfacing, and sandals and geta made from rush grass were also on sale.
A tatami maker told me, "Coarse tatami omote (the surface of tatami) has better breathability, so it feels comfortable when lying down," which was surprising since I thought finer ones were more luxurious.
There were also food booths set up, with various stalls present.
Since it was hot, many people were buying shaved ice.
The grilled chicken was juicy and delicious, coming off the grill one after another.
Mini Tatami Making Corner
In a corner of the sales venue, there was a workshop for mini tatami making, so I participated with my child.
Choosing my favorite tatami edge, I attached it to the tatami using a stapler.
With the support of a tatami craftsman, it was finished beautifully.
It is complete.
About the size of A4, it is just right for placing a small decorative item.
Tatami Making Demonstration
Inside the Community Center, there was a tatami making demonstration by "Akagi Kaoru Tatami Industry" from Soja City.
The photo above shows the process called "Hiragashi," where the tatami edge and mat are sewn onto the tatami base.
Nowadays, this work is usually done by a tatami-specific sewing machine, but this time it was done by hand by a craftsman.
Sewing it straight requires skilled technique.
This is a tatami-specific ruler.
The markings are engraved in the traditional "shaku" measurement, just like a carpenter's square.
Hanagosa Hand Weaving Experience
At the adjacent "Hanagosa Hand Weaving Heritage Center," a workshop for hand weaving hanagosa was being held.
Now, let's go inside right away.
Upon entering, to the left, there were neatly arranged hand weaving machines that were used in the past for hanagosa.
The one used for this experience is a miniature version of these hand weaving machines.
First, select two types of rush that will be used as the weft.
Insert the previously selected rush alternately between the vertically stretched threads.
The top row, with the light blue and red patterns, is the part we wove this time. The patterns also show individuality.
This is a work by a person from the Heritage Center who provided guidance. The charm of handmade items is that no two patterns are the same.
Conclusion
Due to the Westernization of lifestyles, the demand for tatami mats had decreased for a time, but recently, the benefits of natural materials are being reevaluated, and the popularity of tatami mats is reportedly making a comeback.
Additionally, I was somewhat aware that the Hayashima and Kurashiki area was once the largest production area of rush in Japan. Through this event, I feel I have rediscovered the charm of rush, a natural material that is close to us.
Currently, rush in Japan is mainly produced in Kumamoto Prefecture.
However, while distribution, sales, and manufacturing do not come to the forefront, many long-established companies in Okayama are also involved.
For example, the tatami borders manufactured by Takada Orimono in Kojima, which is Takada Weaving, has an antenna shop in the Bikan Historical Area.
Thank you for the valuable experiences.
I look forward to next year's event.
30th Hayashima and Kurashiki Tatami Mat Festival Data
| Name | 30th Hayashima and Kurashiki Tatami Mat Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | July 6, 2024 (Saturday) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM July 7, 2024 (Sunday) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Location | Hayashima Town Office West Special Venue |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
