About the product
～In 2019, I founded Ku-zen～
The brand has its origins in an event that shook my own life. When I had just started my business, I became very ill and was told by the doctor that I had only one year to live. In order to calm my mind under extreme circumstances, I looked up at the sky every day, did zazen and experienced a state of ‘nothingness’. Through this experience, a strong desire to ‘pass on Japan's 1,300-year heritage of history and tradition to the next generation’ was born, and he decided to launch the brand.Through this experience, he founded the brand ‘KuZen’, which expresses his yearning for the sky and his desire to cherish the spirit of ‘Zen’.In my previous job, I had many opportunities to come into contact with traditional Japanese architecture and design, and was particularly fascinated by the beauty of the ‘tatami-beri’. Tatami-ben is a traditional material used for the edges of tatami mats with a history of 1,300 years, and its fine patterns and colours reflect the Japanese sense of beauty. Sorazen aims to be a brand that evolves with the times by developing items that utilise traditional Japanese materials such as Tatami-beri
～A Tradition Reflecting Japanese Aesthetics and Spirit～
Tatami-beri, the decorative edging of tatami mats, is a traditional material that has been passed down through Japanese history. Its origins trace back to the Heian period (794–1185), when tatami was more than just a floor covering—it was a symbol of social status and refinement. The designs, colors, and materials of tatami-beri were strictly regulated by the imperial family, Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and noble samurai, reflecting the dignity and prestige of their owners.
During the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods (15th–16th centuries), tatami culture expanded under the national unification led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the world of tea ceremony, Sen no Rikyū incorporated tatami and tatami-beri into his wabi-cha aesthetic, using their understated elegance to embody the wabi-sabi philosophy of simplicity and imperfection. Under Tokugawa Ieyasu, the sukiya-zukuri architectural style flourished, and the “tatami-wari” modular system was established, influencing the spatial design of traditional Japanese interiors. During this time, craftsmen in Edo Castle and Osaka Castle formed guilds to preserve and refine tatami-making techniques.
Japan’s traditional patterns include 29 types of komon, whose origins date back to the Kojiki-den, an ancient historical text. Each pattern carries profound meanings—symbols of longevity, prosperity, protection from evil, and bountiful harvests—woven into fabrics like a form of prayer passed down through generations. Tatami-beri is more than a decorative element; it reflects the Japanese sense of harmony, seasonal awareness, and appreciation for quiet refinement. Spaces adorned with tatami invite a deep connection with nature and embody the uniquely Japanese values of reverence, balance, and respect.
Tatami-beri, with its 1,300-year history, is a Japanese heritage treasure, carrying within it the spirit of the nation. At KU-ZEN, we are committed to preserving this legacy and passing it on to future generations, ensuring that the beauty, tradition, and philosophy of Japan continue to inspire the next generation.
～Commitment to the product and to the future～
A craft of Japanese heritage that has been handed down along with Japan's living culture.However, in modern times, this tradition is in danger of dying out as the number of people living with tatami has declined.At Kuzen, we are creating items that are in tune with modern lifestyles while preserving the tradition, so that young people and children, who will carry the future, will once again choose spaces with tatami mats and pass on the value of the tatami-beri.Thoughts on traditional patternsFrom among the 29 traditional patterns mentioned in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters),We have selected four particularly auspicious patterns from among the 29 traditional patterns mentioned in the Kojiki.These are not just designs, but also express wishes for longevity, prosperity, harmony and happiness.Hemp leaf - healthy growth of childrenChequered Pine - continuous prosperityCloisonne - human connection and harmonySeigaiha - Peaceful living and eternal happinessCarefully selected top-quality materialsThe finest Japanese materials have been carefully selected to fit in with modern life while retaining the tradition of tatami mat edging.Fuji Kinmei Canvas - High-quality canvas that combines durability and beauty, produced by the only domestic canvas manufacturer with an integrated production system. The more you use this supple and durable material, the more you appreciate its taste.Tochigi leather - Finest quality leather finished with traditional vegetable tanning. The more it is used, the more its texture changes and it becomes more comfortable in the owner's hand.The pleasure of holding tradition and innovation in your handKUZEN items, produced by the handiwork of craftsmen, are not mere handicrafts, but are intended to be an existence that deeply touches the heart of the owner, while blending into everyday life.Creating new values while respecting traditions - andWe invite you to take a look at our products, which will become more and more attached to you as you use them, and which will be handed down to the future.