Kumamoto Igusa Rush (Kumamoto): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Cut from late June to late July, then mud-dyed and dried for distribution throughout the year.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

KUMAMOTO-RUSH is a high quality rush of three varieties that are designated as superior variety by Kumamoto Prefecture. The color and the gloss of rush are toned by traditional “Dorozome” (mud-dying) method. The rush has long stem and suitable for tatami facing weaving.

Link with the production area

The cultivation of three varieties (Hinomidori, Yuunagi, and Hinoharuka) are permitted to only producers in the production area. The Dorozome method (immersing the rush into solution of natural soil immediately after the harvest. It enables to dry evenly, suppress the damage, and tone the gloss and color) has been established as an efficient production technique in the course of the long history of KUMAMOTO-RUSH cultivation.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s8.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

Kumamoto Igusa is the rush used to weave tatami facing, grown in Yatsushiro City, Hikawa Town and Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It uses long-stemmed varieties designated as superior by the prefecture, and its gloss and color are refined through the traditional “dorozome” mud-dyeing process.

Kumamoto Igusa Rush is produced in Yatsushiro City, Hikawa Town (Yatsushiro District) and Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

Kumamoto Igusa Rush is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jun–Jul. Cut from late June to late July, then mud-dyed and dried for distribution throughout the year.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation). Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Kumamoto Igusa Rush was registered as a Geographical Indication on February 2, 2016 (Registration No. 8). The registered producer group is JA Yatsushiro, JA Kumamoto Uki, JA Kuma (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives).