Sitting on Japanese tatami mats may reduce anxiety and support task engagement
Researchers at Kyushu University, publishing in the journal Scientific Reports, found that using mats made from Japanese Igusa, or rush grass, was associated with increased activity in regions of the brain related to concentration and engagement. Surveyed participants also reported reduced tension and anxiety after using Igusa mats. Igusa has been used in Japan for centuries, and the research…
Researchers at Kyushu University have discovered that using traditional Japanese Igusa mats may help reduce anxiety, support cognitive engagement, and improve stress resilience during tasks. Published in Scientific Reports, the study surveyed 17 young adults, half of whom sat on Igusa mats while completing simple tasks, while the others used unscented plastic mats as a control.
Brain activity measured by EEG showed increased beta waves and altered gamma and alpha patterns when sitting on the Igusa mats, indicating enhanced focus and relaxation. Participants also reported feeling less tense and anxious after using the mats, though other mood measures remained unchanged. The researchers hope this evidence will provide new value to the traditional material, which has been used in Japan for centuries, despite declining usage due to modern lifestyles and housing environments.
Further research is needed to confirm the findings with a larger, more diverse population and to investigate long-term effects of Igusa mat usage.
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