I generally try to indulge in various aspects of Japanese culture on a daily basis, but for the most part that is small items (books, foods) or immaterial things (music) I’ve generally stayed away from bigger things like Japanese furniture; not just because of the cost, but because I’m not particularly into Japanese furniture. (I guess my Japanese piano technically counts as a big thing.)
Several years ago I bought a tatami mat made of igusa (藺草), a soft rush plant that has been used in Japan for more than a thousand years. At first I didn’t know what to make of it, but after a few weeks this product really grew on me. There is a certain strong, distinct smell to the mat (though this goes away over time), but for some reason whenever I lay down on the mat it just feels great, like I can really relax. I’m not sure if it’s because it reminds me of travels in Japan (some restaurants have similar material in the seating areas), or if it’s something else. Maybe it’s because the mat is made of natural plants, so it’s sort of like laying on grass, but without the fear of becoming itchy (:
Even though this mat is made partially of plant leaves woven together, it’s surprisingly tough. And despite being very thin it manages to be just soft enough so that laying on a hard floor is no longer uncomfortable. The mat’s light weight and pliancy are nice bonuses too, and you can even use it as a yoga mat. My cat also likes to hide inside when I lay it out partially folded in an upside-down “W” shape.
I’m not sure if it’s safe to put a heavy object (like a desk or chair) on top of one, but I’m trying that out now so I may update this in a few months. I haven’t damaged one yet though. I actually just bought a second one, partially because the smell of the first one is completely gone.
As for drawbacks, it’s a little costly at the moment (nearly $200), and if you are sensitive to certain smells you may want to be careful.
Anyway, I think this is a nice way to fit a bit of Japan into your life. You can pick it up on Amazon here. The product page boasts temperature and air control benefits, but I am not sure if I believe those. Also, I am not sure where it’s manufactured, but I’m guessing it’s somewhere other than Japan.
(Note: while this may seem like a commercial, nobody paid me or asked me to write this review.)