This page is FAQ of Jpapanese traditional housings.

(7/3/01 from Donald)
		Can tatami mats be damaged if I vacuum them with the vacuum cleaner? Also, will spilling water or other liquids damage them? How long does a tatami mat last, on average?
		In general, tatami mats should not be vacuumed. If you must vacuum the tatami mats, vacuum them along, not against, the line of the fibers. The best way to clean a tatami mat is to dampen a clean soft cloth with clean water and wipe the mat gently along the line of the fibers. Cleaned in this way, they will last much longer. Be particularly careful when cleaning the cloth borders. Never use any kind of chemical cleaning agent on any part of a tatami mat. As much as possible, avoid spilling water or other liquids on your tatami mats. If you should spill something, wipe it up immediately and dry the mat well. If the mat is soaking wet, remove it and dry it outdoors. The durability of a tatami mat will depend on the environment and how much the room is used, but normally it will last from ten to fifteen years. The surface of the mat, particularly the color, will change by repeated exposure to sunlight, but that will give it 'flavor.'

(7/6/01 from Steve)
		Is the size of the 'sado' room determined by the rules of the tea ceremony? I'd prefer a room that's a bit larger. Can you make rooms to order? Also, does the room come with a set of tea ceremony utensils? If the paper on the 'shoji' doors becomes damaged, can I repair it myself? Can I choose the wallpaper to be used?
		The tea ceremony has many traditional rules, but some are more flexible than others. Our 'toryo' has decades of experience in building 'sado' rooms, and he can build a custom 'sado' room that suits your needs while still respecting the spirit of the tea ceremony. The tea ceremony utensils, etc., are not normally included with the room, but we are offering a special tea ceremony teakettle free of charge. There is such a wide range of quality for the other tea ceremony utensils that we are unable to include them, although we would be happy to provide them as a separate order. Yes, you can repair the shoji doors yourself. You can probably buy the paper at any home repair center. You can also order paper from us and we would be happy to ship it to you from Japan. And yes, you can also choose the type of wallpaper, etc., for your room from our selection of traditional Japanese papers.

(7/7/01 from Eric)
		Can you build the 'sado' room as a separate building in the garden? Does it have any lights? Does the fireplace portion include utensils for boiling water?
		Yes, it is possible to build the 'sado' room as a separate building in the garden. However, this will require extra construction and a separate meeting to discuss the specifications. The standard lighting units used in Japan are included. The room also comes equipped with an electric burner or equipment for making a charcoal fire.

(7/7/01 from Jeff)
		I'd like to actually cook in the 'irori' open hearth. Do I use firewood or charcoal?
		You should use charcoal. Charcoal is safer, since it is carbonized wood and produces only a small flame. Also, charcoal also has a far-infrared radiation effect that is both pleasing and effective for cooking and warmth.

Have another question about traditional Japanese housing? Send it to us! We'll reply as quickly as we can.

| Home | Toryo | Sado | Iroli | Zen | Question | Topics | Jphome |