In many parts of the world, people simply turn a dial or flip a switch when the weather gets colder and their home is instantly heated. In Japan, however, there is not typically central heating in many of the homes so how do they stay warm? They do so with this rather unusual device, known as a kotatsu.
The kotatsu is a mixture of a blanket, a table and a heater. It is perfect for the cooler nights in Japan and, although the nights may not reach frigid temperatures in many cases, it certainly is possible for them to experience some rather chilly evenings.
Found in many Japanese homes, the Kotatsu is a traditional piece of furniture. The low table is covered with a heavy blanket or futon mattress but underneath is where the magic happens. There is a heat source, such as an electric heater. Originally, however, it involved the old cooking hearth but things have changed with the advent of modern electricity.
This has to be one of the most perfect inventions for staying warm on a cold winter night. If you can get your hands on one, there is no doubt the entire family will love it.
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