Our tatami mats are commonly used in living rooms or bedrooms, but did you know many of our customers also use them as mats for meditation, exercise, or yoga? Among these creative users is Taro Iwamoto, a Feldenkrais practitioner who helps individuals alleviate chronic pain through movement coaching, primarily via online seminars. His YouTube channel boasts an impressive 366,000 subscribers, underscoring his widespread popularity.

Mr. Iwamoto frequently incorporates our tatami mats into his Feldenkrais Method seminars. We spoke with him to learn why he chose our tatami mats and his thoughts on their usability.

 

Interra USA: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Could you start by introducing yourself?

IWAMOTO: My name is Taro Iwamoto, and I work as a Feldenkrais practitioner. In essence, I’m a movement coach helping clients reduce physical pain and lead more comfortable, fulfilling lives through the Feldenkrais Method.

Interra USA: Can you explain what the Feldenkrais Method is?

IWAMOTO: Of course. The Feldenkrais Method was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, a judo expert and physicist. In simple terms, it’s a science-based approach to reeducating habitual movement patterns that lead to chronic pain, by retraining the brain through movement. Rather than merely stretching or massaging painful areas, this method targets the root causes—those ingrained movement habits encoded in the brain. By changing how the brain communicates movement commands, we can address pain at its source. This process, often referred to as “movement reeducation,” is at the core of the Feldenkrais Method.

Interra USA: So, chronic pain often stems from ingrained movement habits?

IWAMOTO: Precisely. Stretching or massage may provide temporary relief, but if the underlying habitual movements remain, the pain returns. That’s because the brain keeps reinforcing those same neural pathways. Addressing these patterns through brain-based movement reeducation is the key to lasting relief.

Interra USA: It’s fascinating how the Feldenkrais Method takes a neuroscience-based approach to reevaluating the habitual movement patterns that cause chronic pain. Mr. Iwamoto, how did you first come across this method?

IWAMOTO: I’ve always been involved in fields related to the body, studying athletic training, sports medicine, and physical therapy in college. I spent about ten years working as an outpatient physical therapist in the U.S., helping patients recover from acute and chronic pain. However, I noticed many chronic pain patients would return with similar issues even after completing treatment and learning appropriate exercises. By my fifth year, I began questioning why these problems persisted despite proper rehabilitation.

This led me to explore neuroscience, which is when I came across the Feldenkrais Method. Intrigued, I started attending classes, talking to practitioners, and diving deeper into the methodology. Eventually, I decided to become a Feldenkrais practitioner myself.

Interra USA: Before becoming a Feldenkrais Method practitioner, you mentioned taking classes to explore the method. How widely recognized is the Feldenkrais Method in the United States?

IWAMOTO: In the U.S., I’d say Seattle stands out as a region with a relatively high concentration of Feldenkrais practitioners. Around here, it’s not too difficult to find one. While I don’t have concrete data, my impression is that there are more practitioners in the U.S. compared to my home country of Japan. That said, the Feldenkrais Method is still not as well-known as yoga or Pilates, which is unfortunate.

Interra USA: Is Seattle particularly active when it comes to the Feldenkrais Method?

IWAMOTO: Yes, it is. Outside of Seattle and Washington State, California, coastal cities, and New York also have a significant number of Feldenkrais practitioners.

Interra USA: As you mentioned earlier, many people associate methods for alleviating pain with Pilates or yoga. How does the Feldenkrais Method differ from those practices?

IWAMOTO: In my view, while the Feldenkrais Method includes exercises that involve movement, it’s not about simply performing “Feldenkrais-style exercises.” The essence of the method lies in directing your awareness inward and becoming attuned to your body’s habitual patterns. Helping clients shift their focus to their own bodies and fostering this awareness is the primary role of a Feldenkrais practitioner.

This emphasis on self-awareness is what sets the Feldenkrais Method apart from Pilates or yoga. Once someone gains this deeper awareness of their own body through the Feldenkrais Method, they can enhance their experience of practices like Pilates, yoga, or other physical disciplines, making them even more enjoyable and effective.

Interra USA: It seems like the Feldenkrais Method really focuses on cultivating awareness of one’s own body.

IWAMOTO: Exactly.

Interra USA: I see. Now, regarding the Feldenkrais-based courses you offer, who would you say they are most suitable for?

IWAMOTO: Many of my clients are individuals who have struggled with chronic pain for years, despite trying various forms of physical therapy. While stretching or strengthening exercises often help with acute pain, chronic pain is usually tied to ingrained movement patterns dictated by the brain. These patterns can be difficult to break. That’s where the Feldenkrais Method comes in—it provides a way for these individuals to address the root causes of their pain, and that’s why they seek me out.

Interra USA: You’ve established a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, with a significant number of followers watching your videos. Do you think many of your viewers are looking for fundamental solutions to chronic pain?

IWAMOTO: Yes, I believe that’s true for a large portion of them.

Interra USA: I actually suffer from chronic lower back pain myself, so I’ve tried some of the exercises featured in your videos. Later, I’d like to revisit them with a focus on the concept of “body awareness” that you discussed today.

By the way, thank you for using our tatami mats in your YouTube videos. Let’s talk about them for a moment—how did you first discover our tatami mats?

IWAMOTO: Actually, it was my wife—who is also a Feldenkrais practitioner—who was looking for tatami mats for our home. We had a hard time finding ones that fit our living space until we came across Interra USA’s tatami mats. In fact, I’m sitting on one of them right now during this interview (laughs). In our line of work, creating the right atmosphere is essential, and these tatami mats have been incredibly helpful.

Interra USA: When you were looking for a mat to use on the floor, were you specifically searching for tatami rather than something like a yoga mat?

IWAMOTO: Yes. Being Japanese, I was drawn to the sense of tranquility and the traditional “wa” (harmony) atmosphere that tatami creates. I was also seeking the unique comfort that only tatami can provide.

Interra USA: While preparing for this interview, I watched some videos of other Feldenkrais practitioners, and I noticed that some people practice on the floor without any mat at all. I wondered if Feldenkrais practitioners have trouble finding the right mat to use. Is there a specific type of mat that’s recommended for practicing the Feldenkrais Method?

IWAMOTO: There’s no specific mat required. However, since the method involves movement exercises, a mat with too much surface friction might make it harder to move, so that’s something to consider. Other than that, as long as you have a comfortable space to lie down, there’s no issue. So, there aren’t any strict guidelines or requirements.

Interra USA: Do you feel that tatami mats are a good fit for practicing the Feldenkrais Method?

IWAMOTO: Yes, absolutely. They help create a relaxing and soothing environment for body and mind, and the level of cushioning is just right.

Interra USA: You currently use our tatami mats for your Feldenkrais Method lessons. How have you found them in terms of comfort and usability? Are there any particular features you especially like?

IWAMOTO: One thing I really like is how light the tatami mats are. They’re easy to move and store, which is a big help. Since each mat is square, I can arrange them to create a rectangular space, or adjust the layout depending on the number of participants, so the flexibility in arrangement is fantastic. Cleaning is also very easy, which is another important feature. Lastly, as a fun detail, I enjoy arranging the mats with alternating grain directions to create a checkerboard pattern—it’s a nice touch!

Interra USA: Thank you. You use our tatami mats in your online lessons and YouTube videos. Have you received any questions from your students or viewers about the mats you’re using?

IWAMOTO: Yes, I’ve received a few. Some viewers have asked, “What kind of mat is that?” Others who recognized it as a tatami mat have inquired, “Where did you buy that tatami mat?” I’ve also had more specific questions like, “What are the benefits of using this tatami mat for the Feldenkrais Method?”

Interra USA: This is just my guess, but in the U.S., where there’s not much of a tradition of lying on the floor like in Japan, I imagine people might wonder what they should put on the floor when practicing the Feldenkrais Method at home, especially since it involves lying down. If our tatami mats are offering a solution to that, I’m really happy to hear it.

IWAMOTO: Yes, exactly. Another reason I use these tatami mats is that they don’t just provide a space for exercises—they also reflect my belief in the benefits of a floor-sitting culture. For those in the U.S. and Europe, where sitting on the floor isn’t as common (and many of my YouTube viewers are from Europe), I hope to convey the message, “Why not try sitting on the floor a bit more?”

Interra USA: Are there any benefits to sitting on the floor in everyday life?

IWAMOTO: Yes, personally, I believe there are. You’ll notice this if you try it yourself: when you stand up from a chair, you typically use a limited range of movement. In contrast, sitting on the floor offers more variety in the way you sit, and when you stand up from the floor, you use more energy and a wider range of motion. Based on my own experience, older adults in Japan who have continued to sit on the floor tend to be more agile compared to older adults in the U.S. or Europe, who are more accustomed to sitting in chairs. I also feel that people in Western cultures are often constrained by the mindset that “as you age, your body becomes less mobile.” In the U.S., for example, it’s rare for someone in their 70s to sit on the floor—usually, it only happens if they fall. And when they do, many can’t get up on their own and end up having to call 911, which contributes to rising healthcare costs. Research has also shown a correlation between an inability to get up from the floor and increased mortality. That’s why I believe there are clear benefits to making the habit of standing up from the floor part of everyday life.

Interra USA: I see, so the act of “sitting on the floor and getting up from it,” which is a common habit in Japan, actually serves as a beneficial stretch.

IWAMOTO: Exactly.

Interra USA: That’s very interesting. Up until now, we’ve been discussing how you use our tatami mats in the Feldenkrais Method, but who else would you recommend them to, aside from those applications?

IWAMOTO: I think they’re great for meditation, and they’re also ideal for yoga. For people with limited space at home, there’s no need to cover a large area—just starting with one or four mats to create a small square space can be a great way to try them out. Also, for those dealing with chronic pain, as I mentioned earlier, the brain forms movement patterns that contribute to pain. Many of these people have developed a fear of movement, and in such cases, creating a calming space for the brain is key. If their everyday environment has become linked to the fear of pain, even using just a few tatami mats can help create a safe, comfortable space that feels distinct from their usual surroundings. In these situations, I believe tatami mats can be really effective.

Interra USA: It’s great that even with just a few mats, you can create a separate, relaxing space. One question: For Japanese people, the association of tatami with a relaxation space is rooted in tradition and cultural background, but do people in Western cultures also feel a sense of relaxation when they see tatami?

IWAMOTO: Yes, I believe so. Many people in Western cultures associate tatami with concepts like Zen, and some may connect it to things like the tea ceremony, evoking an image of a peaceful and calming space.

Interra USA: I see, and I think that’s very likely. Moving on to the next question, we’re very glad to hear that you’re generally satisfied with our tatami mats. If you have any additional suggestions or requests, we’d love to hear them.

IWAMOTO: Well, at the moment, I can’t think of anything in particular. I’m really happy with how convenient they are. However, if I had to mention something, and it’s not a complaint, it’s just that these mats are made from washi paper, so they don’t have the distinctive scent that traditional tatami mats made from rush grass have.

Interra USA: I see. This might be a bit of a side question, but I think the scent of rush grass is a relaxing, nostalgic fragrance for many Japanese people. Do you think this scent could also have the same relaxing effect on Americans or people from other Western cultures?

IWAMOTO: Hmm, I’m not sure—I’ve never really heard of that, but it’s an interesting perspective.

Interra USA: I did a quick search, and it seems that rush grass essential oil is sold in Japan. However, it’s unclear whether it’s available internationally. It’s possible that rush-scented aromatherapy could become popular in the U.S. in the near future. Finally, do you have a message for the readers of this article?

IWAMOTO: The tatami mats offered by Interra USA are fantastic because they allow you to create a space, whether large or small, with great flexibility. If you’re interested, I highly recommend giving them a try. I also hope that these mats can help people transition from the habit of sitting in chairs to naturally sitting on the floor, which encourages body stretching. From there, expanding into practices like zazen (Seated Zen Meditation), meditation, or yoga could have a positive impact on your mind and body. When I think back to my childhood, I remember spending a lot of time lying on the floor drawing, and as we grow older, we gradually move away from the floor, which I think is a shame. Through tatami, I hope people can reconnect with the floor, just like we did when we were children.

Interra USA: Thank you so much for sharing these fascinating insights with us today.

 

 

How did you find today’s interview article? In addition to the topic of tatami mats, we had the opportunity to discuss the Feldenkrais Method, which might be unfamiliar to some readers, as well as the unique benefits of Japan’s floor-sitting culture. I hope you found these insights as enriching as I did. I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Iwamoto for his cooperation.

If today’s article has sparked your interest in the Feldenkrais Method offered by Mr. Iwamoto, please feel free to explore the following resources:

• Taro Iwamoto’s Website
• Taro Iwamoto’s YouTube Channel
• Taro Iwamoto’s Facebook Page
• Taro Iwamoto’s Instagram Account

If you’re also curious about the tatami mats Mr. Iwamoto uses in his Feldenkrais Method sessions, you can find more information here. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out from here, and as tatami mat professionals, we at Interra USA will be happy to offer a solution tailored to your needs.

That concludes today’s article, but we’ll be back soon with more content that will surely capture the interest of anyone passionate about interior design. Stay tuned!