Interview with Hitomi Habagishi, the third-generation owner of "Miyoshi Tatami Store"
Hitomi Habagishi, the owner of Miyoshi Tatami Store, is one of the few female artisans in the tatami industry.
I asked Habagishi about her thoughts and dedication to her work.
Background of the establishment
Please tell us about the time when you opened Miyoshi Tatami Store.
Habagishi
Originally, my father worked as a tatami craftsman near Mizushima. Later, he became independent and in 1970, my father started this store.
At the time the store was established, the surrounding area was an industrial zone, and many people moved in from outside the prefecture. Houses, apartments, and company housing were being built one after another in what used to be just rice fields.
In 1979, when I was 15 years old, my father passed away due to illness, and my mother took over the store as the second generation. At that time, there were reportedly two main craftsmen and 2-3 day laborers employed.
I worked at a bank for about seven years, but after getting married and becoming pregnant, I resigned.
Around 1989, I thought about working part-time, but I thought it would be better to learn how to handle machines, so I started helping out at Miyoshi Tatami Store.
In 2015, my mother, due to her age, expressed a desire to close the store, and I took over the store.
Currently, my mother is supporting me.
Working with two women
Are there any important things or awareness that you keep in mind?
Habagishi
I keep in mind to put the customer first and work first.
Working with tatami is more labor-intensive than one might imagine.
Since tatami is heavy, carrying and flipping it is difficult, which is why there are many male craftsmen in the industry, but at our store, my mother and I, two women, work together.
We strive to provide detailed services and advice from the customer's perspective.
For example, when carrying tatami into a room, we often have to move large furniture or altars.
Some companies may charge extra for this, but since we have many elderly customers, we handle moving furniture for free, even if it takes time.
As for advice regarding tatami, when visiting homes where customers have consulted us about their tatami issues, we have found that the floorboards or flooring beneath the tatami were damaged due to pests or termites.
In such cases, we explain the causes and tips for managing tatami, and if desired, we can also introduce them to a carpenter we know.
We have continued with this approach, and perhaps due to this mindset, we have been fortunate to have our reputation spread through word of mouth, and we still receive requests without interruption.
Changes in tatami demand
Do you feel any changes in tatami demand compared to the past?
Habagishi
Currently, repairs such as replacing tatami mats account for 70% of requests, while new production accounts for about 30%. In my father's time, this ratio was reversed.
Recently, requests for edge-less tatami have also increased, and not only the traditional green tatami made from rush grass but also tatami with a variety of colors and those made from washi (Japanese paper) have emerged.
The variety has increased compared to the past, and recently, more households are incorporating tatami as stylish interior design.
Do you have any memorable episodes?
Habagishi
I had a memorable conversation with a customer who came to consult about tatami.
She mentioned that her grandmother, who used to have tea with her, said "the tatami is hard," and she couldn't forget that, so she wanted to change to a softer tatami.
I realized that the presence of tatami is deeply rooted in the hearts of Japanese people, and that homes are connected to people's feelings.
Compared to flooring, tatami is safe for babies to crawl on, and if elderly people fall, they are less likely to get injured, and the severity of injuries is also reduced.
When my son built his house, he made a tatami room of 4.5 tatami mats, where he changed his child's diapers and took naps.
Wanting to preserve tatami culture
Please tell us about your future goals and outlook.
Habagishi
If tatami is not properly managed, it can develop mold, which can lead to the presence of dust mites. This can cause asthma. Therefore, tatami can sometimes be blamed for being bad.
My mother often says, "Tatami is a living thing."
Tatami can last a long time if properly managed.
We want to be diligent in our work, including measures against mold and pests, and cleaning the unseen parts under the rush grass during tatami repairs.
Recently, I have realized that there is an increasing generation that does not know about tatami, and the existence of tatami is becoming rare. Since tatami is a traditional culture of Japan, I want to preserve it in the future.
Additionally, as a store, I want to continue to make efforts to provide products that meet the technological advancements, the times, and the needs of our customers through trial and error.
Please give a message to the readers.
Habagishi
If you have tatami that you have been using for many years, please consider replacing at least the rush grass part. Not only will it look beautiful, but it will also improve hygiene.
We do not particularly focus on "leaving a lasting impression," but we strive to do thorough work without cutting corners, even in the unseen parts.
Please feel free to contact us for inquiries about materials and prices.
I hope you remember that there are female tatami artisans who are challenging themselves while preserving Japan's traditional culture, and that you think of Miyoshi Tatami Store when you have tatami-related inquiries.
Conclusion
This interview made me realize the current situation where tatami, a traditional culture of Japan, is decreasing due to changes in lifestyle. Perhaps in a few decades, tatami may become a rare traditional item that can only be seen in a tatami museum.
At Miyoshi Tatami Store, I felt that the personality of the owner, who not only provides new products that meet the needs of the times but also performs careful work with consideration for customers, is the greatest charm of this store.
If you have any problems or inquiries regarding tatami, please do not hesitate to contact Miyoshi Tatami Store.
Miyoshi Tatami Store Data
| Name | Miyoshi Tatami Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-8-9 Nakauchi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-455-7297 |
| Website | Miyoshi Tatami Store |
