Japanese tatami mats can help maintain concentration and relieve tension
In an experiment conducted by researchers from Kyushu University, evidence was presented showing that traditional Japanese mats made from igusa grass can reduce stress and maintain engagement in task performance. The study involved 17 volunteers with an average age of 21.5 years. The participants were placed in a soundproof room and asked to perform simple tasks under two conditions: sitting on igusa mats or on plastic mats without any scent. During the process, the scientists recorded the participants’ reactions, measured brain activity using an electroencephalograph (EEG), and then assessed the level of stress and the sense of comfort using psychological questionnaires.
Igusa is a traditional material that has been used in Japanese everyday life for centuries; more than 90 % of the raw material is grown in the city of Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture. Today, the use of igusa is declining due to changes in lifestyle and modern trends in home design. According to experts, a new study may help unlock the potential of this material in modern spaces and restore its value not only as part of the cultural heritage but also as an element of the environment that supports a person’s psycho‑emotional state.
EEG data showed noticeable differences between the two conditions. Those who sat on mats made from igusa showed an increase in beta activity in certain areas of the brain — this is associated with increased concentration and better cognitive engagement. In addition, changes in gamma activity were recorded when transitioning from rest to task performance, while alpha activity remained more stable during periods of rest. This pattern indicates more effective state regulation, as the person switches more easily between relaxation and focus, and therefore copes better with stress.
Based on the results of the experiment, the participants also reported a reduction in tension and anxiety after using igusa mats. At the same time, other aspects of mood did not change significantly.
As the study’s lead researcher, Associate Professor Kuniyoshi Shimizu, notes, in Japan the aroma of igusa is traditionally associated with a sense of comfort and peace, but there has been very little scientific evidence to support this. The team has previously demonstrated the relaxing effect of igusa aromatic compounds, and now it has been possible to identify other possible benefits, in particular, support for stress resilience and task engagement.
It should be noted that the study was still limited in scope, as it involved a relatively small number of young people, and only short‑term reactions were assessed. In the future, it is planned to repeat the experiment with a more diverse and larger group, as well as to study the long‑term effects of using igusa.
Published
September, 2026
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Interesting facts
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Scientific journal Scientific Reports. Article: Stress resilience and engagement enhancement under the usage of Igusa (Juncus effusus L. var. decipiens Buchen.) mat: a crossover study
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