Kotatsu: Japanese winter comfort
Dec. 30th, 2011 07:07 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mbarkerWhile I'm thinking about it, another bit of Japanese fun at this time of year.
Take a coffee table. Now, add a blanket under the top hanging over the edges so that the space under the table is like a small tent. And in the frame under the top, add a small heater. That's a kotatsu.
Now you have to imagine sitting on the floor, with your legs under the table, and the blanket edges tucked around your lap. So the heater keeps your legs nice and warm. If you and your friends or family sit around the table, staying warm, eating and drinking, watching TV, playing cards... It's kind of a cozy, relaxed and warm way to spend time in the winter! Very popular and very simple. But many Japanese people have fond memories of sitting with family and friends under a kotatsu, and this time of year, you will often be invited to join in the comfort.
It actually is pretty nice. And your toes get warm!
Take a coffee table. Now, add a blanket under the top hanging over the edges so that the space under the table is like a small tent. And in the frame under the top, add a small heater. That's a kotatsu.
Now you have to imagine sitting on the floor, with your legs under the table, and the blanket edges tucked around your lap. So the heater keeps your legs nice and warm. If you and your friends or family sit around the table, staying warm, eating and drinking, watching TV, playing cards... It's kind of a cozy, relaxed and warm way to spend time in the winter! Very popular and very simple. But many Japanese people have fond memories of sitting with family and friends under a kotatsu, and this time of year, you will often be invited to join in the comfort.
It actually is pretty nice. And your toes get warm!
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no subject
Date: 2011-12-30 02:35 pm (UTC)NPR had a story about the rice dish you talked about before (mochi). http://www.npr.org/2011/12/30/144470781/traditional-japanese-rice-treat-brightens-new-year
As this year winds to an end, it is good to hold on to some nice traditions and not let them escape into the past.
Happy new year!
kotatsu
Date: 2015-03-29 05:55 pm (UTC)Re: kotatsu
Date: 2015-04-01 05:05 am (UTC)We don't have cats, but I can easily believe they would love it! Small enclosed space, warmed to keep the cat comfy... and toes and legs to play with if you get bored. What else could a cat ask for?