On Friday, May 30, 2025, the 3rd Kyushu Tatami Summit was held in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It was the first time in several years that the event took place, and it brought together people from all walks of life who share a deep passion for igusa (rush grass) and tatami. The atmosphere was lively, and everyone seemed genuinely excited to be part of it.
The speakers offered a variety of insights. Some talked about the potential of igusa as a renewable resource, while others shed light on the tough situation facing igusa farming today. Each message, delivered from a unique perspective, really resonated with the audience and sparked a lot of reflection.
Later in the day, everyone joined small group discussions focused on identifying current challenges and coming up with concrete action plans. These sessions lasted about an hour and were filled with thoughtful conversation. It was clear that the participants truly believed in the future of igusa and wanted to make a difference.
The summit was a great reminder of how much potential igusa has and how important it is to keep this traditional industry moving forward.
We’re hopeful that the event will return next year, bringing even more people and ideas together to support the future of igusa and tatami.