[Diary] A story about a predecessor at Morioka Station and a 'small bridge' to the Japanese-style room
Sunday, February 22, 2026. This morning, too, Morioka has clear air.
Hmm? Is today Cat Day?
Because it's nyan-nyan-nyan.
Cat-related articles
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A photo I took with my smartphone when I passed by the station the other day.
There, the bronze statue of our pride, Dr. Inazo Nitobe, stood dignified as always.
This time, it's about the aspirations of this great predecessor and a small robot vacuum cleaner that has been a hot topic recently.
If you're wondering what on earth that means, please read until the end.
■ Three days ago in front of the station, looking up at Dr. Inazo Nitobe
When I passed through the station on my commute, I suddenly stopped and looked up at the doctor's statue.
The doctor was once a person who devoted himself to connecting Japan and the world, saying, 'I will become a bridge across the Pacific.'
The doctor's life is introduced in detail at the local Morioka City Memorial Museum of History, but while looking at his back, I was reminded of the 'Roomba Mini' I saw on the news the other day.
That automatic cleaning robot, the new model of Roomba.
■ Roomba's challenge: A comeback from the world to Japan
As you may know, iRobot, the company that makes Roomba, is currently at a major turning point.
With its global market share declining, the place they chose for their comeback was none other than this 'Japanese market'.
In a sense, this might be a modern 'bridge' where American technology attempts to align itself with Japanese culture.
Symbolizing this is the announcement of the new 'Roomba Mini,' developed specifically for Japan's unique living environment.
It is the smallest Roomba in history, designed to be easy to use even in Japanese-style rooms and compact homes.
I feel that this model, including its price and color variations, is thoroughly tailored to Japanese life.
■ How a tatami craftsman thinks about engaging with 'latest home appliances'
Just as Dr. Nitobe connected Western thought with the Japanese heart, I also want to build a good bridge between the latest Roomba and traditional tatami mats.
The new Roomba Mini seems likely to be useful in Japanese-style rooms by taking advantage of its small size, but from a craftsman's perspective, there are a few points I would like you to be careful about regarding the 'condition of the tatami' and 'proper usage'.
I wrote a blog post about 'how to distinguish for safe use' from the perspective of a tatami craftsman. If you are considering introducing one in your Japanese-style room, please take a look.
Maeda Tatami Store Livedoor Blog
■ And so, in summary
On my way to work this morning, I suddenly remembered the station front from the day before yesterday, and I found myself thinking about how old tatami mats and new robots can live together in harmony.
Just as the doctor tried to build a great bridge across the Pacific, I hope to help you build a 'small bridge' in your home's Japanese-style room that a Roomba can cross with peace of mind.
On this Sunday, it might be nice to take a slow sip of tea and gaze at the Japanese-style room in your home.
If you have any concerns about your tatami mats, please feel free to consult with us at any time.
Have a wonderful day.
Masatoshi Maeda
Come to think of it, I've been running a magazine.
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