What kind of plant is “Rush Grass”, the material of the Tatami mat?

Tatami mat material “Rush Grass” is a monocotyledonous perennial.

In Japan, it grows in lakes, rivers, and wetlands from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and flowers from May to September.

The Rush Grass used for the surface material, known as the tatami-omote, has been grown in paddy fields. Harvesting of cultivated Rush Grass for the Tatami mat is usually done in July.
It is soaked in mud called “natural dyed soil” and dried. This brings out the unique scent of Tatami, prevents discoloration, and increases the color and luster.

For Tatami rug mat, cut the central part of the stem tip and root. The surface material, known as the tatami-omote, requires 4000 to 7000 stalks of Rush Grass to weave one sheet. woven with

The main Tatami Rush Grass producing areas are Kumamoto, Hiroshima, Okayama, Ishikawa, Kochi, Fukuoka, Saga and Oita prefectures.
In particular, the Yatsushiro region of Kumamoto Prefecture has the highest production volume in Japan, occupying an overwhelming share of 80% to 90% of the Japanese tatami-omote market.
In the past, Bingo Omote, which uses Rush Grass produced in the Hiroshima region, and Bizen Omote, which uses Rush Grass produced in the Okayama region, were famous as luxury goods, but now Rush Grass produced in Yatsushiro is a luxury product. are also coming into use.