ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Tatami-do

Tatami-do is a type of flooring that is used mostly in Japan. It is made of a special type of mat called Tatami, which is made of a straw-like material called Igusa. Think of Igusa as being like the grass you see in the fields or the ones you roll around in at the park.

To make Tatami, people take the Igusa plants, dry them out, and weave them together using a special technique. This technique makes the Tatami mats really nice to sit on or walk on because they are soft and cushiony. Imagine walking on a cloud - that's kind of what Tatami feels like!

The Tatami mats are then placed on top of a wooden frame to create a Tatami-do floor. Tatami-do floors are used in many buildings in Japan, such as houses, tea rooms, and even martial arts studios.

Tatami-do has some special rules you should know too. For example, you are not supposed to wear shoes or walk on Tatami with bare feet, as it can damage the mats. Also, when you enter a Tatami room, you are supposed to bow to show respect for the space.

So, Tatami-do is a special type of flooring made of Tatami mats woven from Igusa plants. It's soft, cushiony and used in many buildings in Japan like houses and tea rooms. It also has special rules you should know and follow.