From a sustainability perspective, we believe that production should be as close to the market as possible. Therefore, we manufacture in Japan for Asia and Oceania, and in Italy for Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. Of course, all the igusa we use is 100% grown in Japan.

We are captivated by the functionality, pleasant texture, and beauty of igusa. Furthermore, as Japanese, we feel a strong responsibility to preserve this material, which has supported our living spaces for over 1,300 years, and prevent its industry from fading away.

Igusa is a natural material, yet it offers excellent durability and stain resistance, as seen in traditional tatami mats. Therefore, no special care is required. If you spill water or coffee, simply wipe it up immediately with a dry cloth, and it won’t be an issue. For more stubborn stains, gently wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with a neutral detergent, then finish by wiping it with a dry cloth.

Since igusa is a natural material, the chlorophyll inside gradually decreases over time, causing the color to fade. In traditional Japanese rooms, the fresh yellow-green hue of new tatami is appreciated, but the gradual transformation to a golden tone over the years is also cherished. We hope you enjoy the unique aging process of this natural material.
Additionally, igusa’s deodorizing effect remains intact as long as its honeycomb-like structure is not damaged. In fact, studies have shown that this function does not deteriorate even after more than 20 years.

The most important thing to be mindful of when handling igusa is the potential for mold growth. Mold develops when three conditions—suitable temperature, humidity, and nutrients—are met. Fresh igusa, in particular, contains a high amount of chlorophyll, which means that if it is left in a poorly ventilated, enclosed space for an extended period, mold may form.
However, this also indicates poor indoor air quality, and in Japan, people have long regarded igusa as a material that helps signal such conditions.
If mold does appear, in most cases, it can be removed by wiping the surface with a damp cloth and then thoroughly drying it with a dry cloth. If the mold persists, wiping with a cloth soaked in a neutral detergent followed by a dry cloth should effectively remove it.
Additionally, the igusa sheets used in Look into Nature’s furniture are secured with Velcro, making them easy to remove and ensuring simple maintenance.