Hello again! It is the blog: How Unique Japan. We always share some Japanese information!
Today, we would like to introduce our common way of preserving coldness.
Nowadays, we can easily consume any heating equipment. (For example, air conditioners and oil stoves.)
Of course, Japan has some unique equipment for the winter seasons. However, it looks a little odd. Have you seen a small square table with a thick cloth on it? (Please see the picture below.)
Many Japanese people used this heating equipment (table) in the old times.
It also worked for any relationship in our environments between families and friends.
Today, we like to write about the Kotatsu table.
What is the Kotatsu table?
How does the table work for relationship improvement?
On the front page, we briefly explained that the Japanese like to create their community to help others, because our main products are agricultural.
Indeed. We needed to team up to survive.
Thus, family bonds became important.
It was inevitable for Japanese people to have good and smooth relationships within their life (environments), whereas the Kotatsu was in.
This warming equipment/table allows us to face our parents, sisters, or brothers (sometimes guests) whenever they want to be warm.
The table has become a tool for better family bonding/relationships.
The history of Kotatsu
This unique table already existed around the Muromachi era, from 1336 to 1573.
The origin was quite simple. After the fireplace called Irori (It is an old style of fireplace.
It was usually in the middle of the room.) got weak, the ancient Japanese covered it with much ash and set a scaffold that allowed them to put their feet on it for warming.
During the Edo era, they got a new idea to keep themselves warm more effectively. It was to cover the scaffold with a blanket, making it similar to the modern one. It was called a Yagura (small scaffold) kotatsu.
The invention of the unique table went further.
When Japan entered the Meiji era, the unique style of the Kotatsu was born.
It was “Hori go(ko)tatsu.”
Oddly, this kotatsu table is on the square pit created through the ground floor.
So, we can sit down on the sides of the pit and cover ourselves with the blanket.
It made us more comfortable because it allowed us to put our feet in a relaxing position (like a chair).
Surprisingly, this idea was from a British gentleman named Bernard Howell Leach (1887-1979). While he had acted as an artist in Japan, he found it hard to sit and relax with the Kotatsu (He was taller than the average Japanese in the Meiji era).
Then, he advanced the previous type to the Hori gotatsu.
Thanks to Mr.Bernard. He made the Kotatsu more familiar and touchable for everyone.
Now, there are varied types available. For example, we can choose a large size, a small one, or even a table size. Some people would order their new house with a floor and a square pit for warming.
Please try to put the word “Kotatsu” on the internet. You will be surprised that it has many pictures (we have tried).
To close
We can now choose how to keep warm.
So, there shall be another catchy, the Irori fireplace. It is even a traditional Japanese house equipment from ancient times. If you are interested, click here!
Hold on, please. We also have many articles categorized into four. They are about Japanese lifestyle, food, the Edo era, and religions.
Do you want to know more about Japanese uniqueness? Visit the front page here!
Thank you so much for reading this article! And see you for the next feature in Japan!