Blog #1 Our beginnings - the seed that was planted.

(Tatami mat borders are the edges to tatami mats - seen above. They protect the natural fibers of the mat from wear and tear AND can provide an aesthetically pleasing color scheme and design to the traditional Japanese style room.)

Over 70% of all domestically produced tatami mat borders are woven here in Karakoto, a small neighborhood in Kurashiki City, Japan.

Walk along the neighborhood’s narrow streets and you’ll hear the humming of the Jacquard looms busy at work.

A dozen family workshops are producing tatami mat borders and clinging to their share of the shrinking market.

With each new house built, fewer traditional tatami mat flooring is being installed. Young families opt for laminated wood or carpeting.

Older homes are renovated, tatami mats are torn out and replaced with flooring that appears to be more fashionable.

Sales of tatami mats decrease every year.

Creates a bit of competition, wouldn’t you say?

Yet drives creativity - what else can we make with this product? -  That’s where ingenuity, persistence and a bit of insanity has led us to creating ShimaShima Bags to bring you a bag and a unique experience.

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