People carry a tatami mat recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest in the world on August 26.
17:09 JST, November 9, 2024
YATSUSHIRO, Kumamoto – A 12.67-meter-long tatami mat made by farmers, artisans and others in Kumamoto Prefecture has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest, surpassing the previous milestone of 11.71 meters for a tatami mat made is wiped out by an Okayama company.
The gigantic tatami mat is the size of seven standard mats, is 95 centimeters wide, 5 centimeters thick and weighs approximately 160 kilograms. It was created this summer by a group of people from the Yatsushiro region of Kumamoto Prefecture, which has the largest production of rush grasses used to make tatami mats.
The mat has been installed on a bench at the terminal of Kumamon Port Yatsushiro, a port for large cruise ships, in an effort to promote Japan’s traditional tatami culture both domestically and among foreign visitors. The terminal is used by many tourists from abroad.
There is a gold border on the mat with a design of Kumamon, the prefecture’s official mascot, to help promote Kumamoto.
The group that created the mat sent corroborating materials, including measurements and video footage, to Guinness World Records for review of the record attempt. It received a certificate and other official recognition.
“We managed to set the world record, giving everyone the opportunity to learn more about rush grasses and tatami. We are deeply honored and grateful,” said a representative of the group.
