Tatami floor (tatami)

The look, feel and smell of a tatami room are familiar to all Japanese. Tatami refers to the traditional floor covering found in most Japanese homes and some flats. Made by pressing and sewing together dried straw and rice plant, tatami is shaped into rectangular mats of uniform size. Tradition also governs the layout of the flooring, with a straightforward grid pattern said to bring bad luck. The characteristics of the tatami material not only produce a unique smell, but help to control humidity and purify the air.
A tatami room can serve many purposes. By day, it may be the living room and at night, a family may gather around a low dining table for the evening meal. Due to the unique texture and springiness of the flooring, Japanese people will often lie directly on a tatami floor to relax or read a book. Tatami rooms are also used as bedrooms, where family members spread out futons for sleeping. Guest rooms in Japanese houses are quite often tatami rooms as well.
For the uninitiated, a tatami room is as interesting as it is accommodating.

LUMIX DMC-FX30: Stylish, compact, and very thin PANASONIC

PANASONIC

The world's slimmest digital camera with a 28mm lens*, Panasonicﾕs Lumix DMC-FX30 delivers user-friendly functionality, expansive scenery modes and a wide angle lens that fits more people into an image when space is tight. Dramatic downsizing by Panasonic makes the DMC-FX30 even slimmer and more compact than its predecessor. The DMC-FX30 also contains the latest in anti-blur technology: MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabiliser) for hand shake blur and Intelligent ISO Control for motion blur. The DMC-FX30 combines 7.2-megapixel image recording with a superb 28mm wide angle Leica DC lens and a 3.6x optical zoom.
The DMC-FX30 has a recommended retail price of $549. Lumix is running a BuyﾕnﾕFly campaign with purchase of certain models until September 30 and other promotions until October 31. For details, visit Panansonic or Lumix websites. Terms and conditions apply.
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Panasonic Australia 132 600
www.panasonic.com.au

Fujitsu blows away air-con competitors
FUJITSU

Fujitsu blows away air-con competitors FUJITSU

In an industry breakthrough, Fujitsu General Australia has launched five innovative models of air conditioner in their revolutionary "nocria" range. Fujitsu's new units meet the demands of the increasingly discerning contemporary consumer who requires not only benchmark performance from an air conditioning system, but environmental sensitivity as well.

"Nocria" performance is unparalleled. The cutting-edge air-con units calibrate appropriate room temperatures ultra fast while Fujitsu's distinctive inverter function handles extreme temperature differentials and facilitates much smoother operation than previous models.

The new "nocria" range is also eco-friendly with Fujitsu ensuring that ceiling/wall models operate at a low 8.5kW and include cleaning filters that meet rigorous 2010 Energy Conservation Act standards.

Rounding off the "nocria" range is sleek styling. A suave exterior complements state-of-the-art electronics; thermo-sensors graced with the incredible ability to detect room and floor temperature and automatically adjust energy consumption to a minimum level.

www.fujitsugeneral.com.au
Tel: 1300 882 201

Award winning FUJIFILM FinePix Z5fd is the perfect accessory for the style conscious
FUJIFILM

fuji The FUJIFILM FinePix Z5fd is ultra-slim, stylish and feature-packed - all the attributes you need in a camera to capture the most beautiful photographs possible!

The compact metal design of the FinePix Z5fd also makes it the perfect "take anywhere" accessory that conveniently slips into your pocket or handbag.

fuji In fact, the FinePix Z5fd is so widely acclaimed that it was voted the ﾒBest Ultra Compact Digital Cameraﾓ in the prestigious 2007 TIPA Awards (known in Europe as the 'Oscars' of the Photo and Imaging Industry).

Available in Raspberry Red, Mocha Brown and Silver, the FinePix Z5fd is equipped with everything you need to maximise every photo opportunity.