As a non-toxic flooring option, tatami mats are pricey in the U.S. Queen-sized ones made with all-natural materials can cost ...

Even today, worn-out tatami can be chopped up and used for compost. Japan-based architect Azby Brown said the gold-colored floor mats are perfectly suited for human habitation: "It reminds me of a ...

The tatami-mat maker who runs a shop in Seya, Kanagawa Prefecture, chose to put his business aside in pursuit of replicating century-old judo tatami, little of which still exists.