The best part of winters in Japan! The Kotatsu culture!

[@danielacs1677]

I was an exchange student in Japan a few years ago and I miss the kotatsu SO MUCH!!! I even want one for my own house one day!! It was so nice to spend the cold days inside the kotatsu, eating mikkans or having dinner and play card games with my host family... Such good memories!!

[@201marino]

Kotatsu and mandarin are the symbol of Japanese winters

[@tristanjacobs7406]

My favourite: "Life happens at the kotatsu!"

[@Rupayan_Op]

I'm from India . I built a very cute house. There in the living room I kept these kotatsu . I eat my dinner in Japanese style . I love it . 😁

[@LaxmanSingh-lz5hq]

Bhai main bhi india se hu 🙏 Par india main toh kotatsu toh bohot bohot rare hai tumhe kahaa se mila?

[@ajsuryavanshi759]

I would always worry about burning my or someone else's leg with it can even set my house on fire😂

[@VoxNerdula]

don't fart under the kotatsu

[@samuelbarron825]

Oh gosh! That would smell horrible! 😂😫

[@marxxplaysgames]

Samuel Barron So definitely DO fart under one

[@ackerman6322]

VoxNerdula 😂 and then by that* gaz the heater will blow LOL

[@southernmama7500]

It would then be a Dutch oven not a kotatsu 😂🤣

[@ashleyj0]

Dude that was my first thought lol

[@yumi42242000]

Although I was born and raised in Japan, I've never experienced kotatsu before. I've just seen them on TV. I hope I'll get to experience it in near future!

[@chargerfryar]

"Life happens at the kotatsu.." I think you just nailed the real reason these continue to be popular. Kind of like fireplaces in the States. Nobody NEEDS a fireplace but during a rainy, stormy day, curling up on your couch under a comforter in front of a fireplace, with a book (or a companion to snuggle with) and a hot beverage is just wonderful. Very interesting video, thanks!

[@bluemoondiadochi]

Fun fact: afghans have the sandali, which is the same thing as kotatsu, only with quilt also over the table. they're the only country in the world to have something remotely similar to a kotatsu.

[@shr6482]

im still wondering how did some japanese culture get absorbed by the afghans. I first heard about the Japani music style and now the sandali? Would be interesting to read more about this surprising influence.

[@tyrellwithbapes]

I wish I had known, I left Japan last week, I stayed for a month and the whole time I was missing American housing's central heating and insulation 😭😭😭

[@japanagos]

Tyrell Thomas I wish I would have told you earlier! But on the upside, you'll have a reason to visit Japan in the winter again :)

[@xAoixx]

Hokkaido is quite different though... we do have central heating systems and stoves in most of houses and it's really warm inside :))

[@japanagos]

Right! Not just Hokkaido but many of the prefectures up north, ive heard have central heating now. I'm sure your houses are much better insulated as well. It's hard to talk about all of the variations in the video so it's nice to have you guys comment about them! Thanks!

[@shrbtdr]

Thank you for this interesting video. Just around Christmas when Tohoku was getting sooo cold, we gathered at a friends house (3 Japanese, 3 foreigers) and all Japanese were surprised and felt just so comfortable when they walked into my American friend's typical Japanese house that had tatami and a kotatsu right in the middle of the room. We all got very daradara. I loved it!

[@japanagos]

meinFukushima glad you've experienced the awesome daradara-ness of the kotatsu!

[@isabellam1936]

I just learned what a kotatsu was because they have it in the game Animal Crossing and Googled it. So fascinating! At first I was like that’s rad and would be nice to gather the family around but what’s the point. But when you explained how Japanese homes don’t have insulation or heating I understood better. I bet people have so many warm happy memories sitting and laying around them with families. I wish I could have experienced that growing up. Thank for the great video too!

[@ps3rocksalways]

i can only imagine that feeling i would get after a long shitty day of work walking out in to the cold going home and the kotatsu is there... warm and cozy.. i could fall asleep right away

[@neonecko1876]

Well, as a history major, I loved this video and the fact that you gave so much background information about the kotatsu and how it has evolved over the years :D I really wish that I had a kotatsu right now because it's about 16 degrees F in Michigan and we've had about 16 inches of snow this week... my feet and legs are freezing even though I have central heating lol :P Anyway, I would love to try one out at a restaurant like they one you went to when I finally visit Japan, Chika.

[@neonecko1876]

Geez, this winter has been a brutal one so far with all the snow... I'd love to be in Hawaii or Australia right now

[@JoachimderZweite]

I imagine one of the nicest thing about the Kotatsu is that you can play footsie with your love.

[@lisasta827]

I'm so happy that I found your channel now. Your videos are NHK quality.

[@MizBobbie1972]

YES! I DO want to experience it for myself! I think this will make it possible for me to lower my heating bills here in Ohio! Winters get pretty chilly. I can have one in each of the kids rooms for homework, the computer in the living room all kids of great things we can do with this! it is so awesome

[@mossybeewasteland]

I was born in America, moved to Japan and grew up there, moved back to America until just last year! So now I'm back in Japan for good! And I LOVE it here! I had no friends in America so this is much better!

[@atkeranov]

勉強になりました。　Thank you Chika! This video is quite educational and entertaining. I loved that you included some historical info and vocab in there! I hope more videos like this one are on the way!

[@beepot2764]

I wish there was a kotatsu store in America 😩 I'd live under it forever.

[@AMARVELGIRL]

Try Amazon.

[@elteescat]

​@@AMARVELGIRL I just added one to my wishlist! 🤣

[@AMARVELGIRL]

@@elteescat I was thinking of doing that, too. 😆

[@elteescat]

@@AMARVELGIRL 🤣

[@CommanderBow934]

This is why I love Japan.

[@hatsumiyo6915]

Im so grateful you made this video. I was writing a story and using a kotatsu came up as a scene I had to write, and I just didn't know enough and this gave me just enough information to get inspired! Thank you so much!!

[@DinoFuzz1988]

I don't understand the dislikes for this video :( I really love your videos Chika!!!

[@Hag_of_Fangorn]

I know, right? I hope one of them responds to you giving a reason why. I learned so much from this video and, not only is my house in central Maine set up to be more efficient with heating, I totally identify with wanting to conserve more energy and money. Japan, you are for me, too!

[@tytube3001]

PancakeMix if you don't have haters, you haven't done much

[@lilkitten545]

only 4 of them, there's always at least a few on every channel

[@japanagos]

tytube3001 I agree! but it's also nice to have a channel like this because I get enough haters on my other one lol

[@PetitePoulette247]

Japanagos（ジャパナゴス） ...haters gonna hate...

[@min-seojung1018]

I need a kotatsu in my life..😍 By the way, Chika-San -your top is so pretty! The design and cobalt blue colour is stunning! x

[@dmore]

This vid was really good, lots of nice cultural and language tips. Learned a lot. More of these please! :)

[@Chebva]

I miss you Japan. Lovely Edo. Everyone there treated me so well and full of love. You will still be in my future Nippon!

[@MeatSim9]

I want a kotatsu so bad I could cry. That looks so great for inviting friends over for board or video games. :C

[@MegaSuperpotter]

Thank you so much sharing this vid. If it was not for Bernard Leach and Hamada we would not have known of your wonderful Ceramic tradition. Bernard and his Sons and Grandsons gave us the Knowledge through wonderful pottery and to think he invented a seated heating system still used in Japan is amazing. Love to you X

[@SteadItDown]

When I stayed in Japan, my host family had a horigotatsu, plus heated floors. They were pretty rich, and I remember falling asleep on the floor of their media room (they had a projector and a huge screen for watching movies!) because it was so warm.

[@donutdunk3891]

Chika, thank you for this cheery and great video. Very informative. Keep up the good work!

[@talaman6371]

Japan is a top tier place to live

[@williamtouzalin1180]

Brilliant content ! I love it. Thanks for all the info still accurate in 2021.

[@Dandyli0n8]

I'm doing a working holiday in Japan right now and I watched this video from my kotatsu!

[@ECHOdavidoff]

in bulgaria, we just use a печка or a cooking oven to get some divisions warm. a lot of flats use central heating though. it's ran by a factory that sends hot steam into people's central heating systems, so a lot of neighborhoods share the same thing. it's made so that the heater is not too warm when you touch it (to avoid burns and such), and it lets your house stay moderatly warm all winter round...

[@LaxmanSingh-lz5hq]

Ma'am like your way of teaching topics with defining own language so happy to hear love from india

[@malcolmbrown6550]

While living in Japan (a long time ago) I purchased a kotatsu and enjoyed using it to stay warm and comfortable during cold weather. So much so that I brought it with me when I returned to the States. I was unaware of it's origins, so thanks, Chika. My second favorite discovery for combating the cold while in Japan was the haramaki. I was amazed how well it worked!

[@elteescat]

I just discovered the existence of this amazing invention and I added one to my Amazon wishlist! I'm in Ohio and it will be awesome! I'm saving up!

[@Dilbert1100]

Very good explanations! I love learning all about Japan as my daughter lives here full time.

[@fumitoshiyuki342]

こたつは立派な日本文化ですね～ 子供のころは赤外線こたつを使っていましたが、ここ１０年ほどは省エネを考えて温風パイプを使っています～　東北の冬にこたつは欠かせないです！

[@hikosaemon]

I loved the kotatsu so much when I first found it that I bought one with a massive power converter and took it back to New Zealand. Then I came back and found the "hot carpet" - my mind was blown again. Don't even get me started on heated toilet seats. Had no idea about Bernardino btw...

[@japanagos]

Hikosaemon you took it back to New Zealand?? omg lol The hot carpet is quite nice, isn't it. Another thing that makes me lazy in the winter :)

[@hikosaemon]

The kotatsu cost me 8000 yen. The power converter to use it in NZ cost me 25,000 yen. Worth it.

[@Aizakku27]

Back in America, I had a space heater for my room. It kept the whole room warm, and didn't cost that much to run, since the house has good insulation. This is my first winter in Japan. My first month of having my heater on a lot cost more than it costs to run my space heater in America for a year. Probably due to poor insulation. My apartment here is smaller than my room back home too. It's not that bad though. Back home, they are dealing with over 48cm of snow and below freezing temperatures outside. I am happy to be in Fukuoka. It is not as cold, there is no snow, and the sun comes out quite often!

[@lifewithkuri]

This reminds me of when I was a kid. On some cold evenings when we were watching TV, my mum would lay a comforter over a floor vent and we would snuggle underneath with the warmth. I just moved into a house with floor vents, which I haven't had for 15 years! Looking forward to snuggling somewhat こたつ-style!

[@japanagos]

***** laying a comforter over a floor vent! that works :)

[@valerief1231]

I just read an article on Reddit and this was referenced. I came straight to YT to find out what they were talking about👍 great video! Stay warm!

[@manolocortez4426]

It's so attractive when a girl can switch up languages on command. My oh my!

[@Anmatgreen]

I mean, pretty much anyone who's bi- or multi-lingual can do that.

[@maritzarodriguez4985]

Oye amiga esta muy bien para aplicarlo en cualquier lugar donde haga frio gracias por tu video

[@Gilgland]

I’m super late to this video but I just bought a Kotatsu for my apartment here in 山口. I probably won’t get to use it until next winter but this video popped up when I was looking for videos on how to set it up and I really enjoyed the history. Thanks for posting!

[@johntoshirorainford1726]

Thank you Chika this is a fascinating video I really want one now!

[@Big-H517]

Me: *lays down in the table*

[@ajax377]

A kotatsu would be great to have... Thanks for the video.

[@kyotoconnections873]

シェアさせて頂きます。ありがとうございます。

[@hi4931]

i dont kow whay your saying but i like it

[@josayeee]

I'm a fan of the new hair style.

[@7matboy]

When I lived in Japan working for AIG my Japanese girlfriend introduced me to the Kotatsu world and it was great. First drinks then dinner then more drinks! No dara dara for her...she was ready to get busy after and I am sure that the many birthdays in September are a result of the Kotatsu event! I think it also brought families closer together...literally and figuratively. Ja Matta

[@DamaxThomas]

Doesn't need any central heating. What japanese houses REALLY need are thermic isolation (like a fridge). It's useful in winter (warm stay inside) and summer (warm doesn't enter the house and cold air from air-conditioner doesn't go out). It can save a lot of money and it's ecologic by using less energy in winter and summer.

[@peachhoneysuckle4438]

I LOVE KOTATSU i have one myself here in the states! Love your vlogs! so happy i found you!

[@shengness]

I'm considering buying my own kotatsu now. It's my first winter in Japan since I moved in March.

[@MrCarlsson86]

How could people unlike the video? It's just a fun informational video. Keep it coming!

[@コノハさん]

Unlike? Informational?

[@federicofoglietta3014]

Thank you, it was a really interesting video and at the same time useful, because i am studying japanese and thanks to your videos i learn many useful words😀, everytime my language knowledge increase a little more.

[@japanagos]

fede Foglietta I try to incorporate a bit of vocab stuff every time :) I know, I need to do some lesson videos too though, huh?

[@rayram2252]

to keep warm in my home, which is an older home so it only has electric cooling, no heating...we use little plug in heaters to warm the room a little at a time, we can't leave it on, all day or it will be too expensive and the cord gets to hot and makes me worry about catching things on fire. so we turn it on a little before bed. then in the morning a little. in between we use heating blankets, that you just plug in. it is wonderful.

[@chanakira8979]

winter is coming , i got my first kotatsu today and subscribed this channel, yay!

[@13THELUCKY13]

I loved the colors in your room in this video. Red, white, and blue. Aesthetics were on point. xD

[@cathym3708]

We have in-floor heating. I love it. If I'm really cold, I just lay on the floor under a blanket. It makes my feet cold to visit anyone else's house now, though!

[@vishal-gupta]

I really enjoyed this video. I never knew about this before but I used to put electric heater under the blanket to have this comfortable and cozy feeling :)

[@westburyd1]

I would love to see a follow up video on the annka box-type heater and it works especially how the bowl comes into play. I'm fascinated with the Horigotatsu.

[@roxxannicolett7948]

at first i wasnt feeling the idea of a kotatsu but my boyfriend showed me this video and i really liked it and saw all its great uses. Thanks so much for convincing me lol. i can be very lazy so this is perfect.

[@Gunheadchicka]

こたつが好きですよ! It reminds me of the times I spent with my friend Kayoko. She had a kotatsu. We would eat dinner, watch movies and fall asleep under the kotatsu. Good times! Lol!

[@renatodasilveira144]

I really like the idea for winter season snuggles. The one table top where the wood looked rustic and heavy looked like a good option. I think I saw some documentary where old farm houses would have a central heating and cooking area. Glad they decided to make it less cumbersome. Only natural to do that, right? Concerning heating in South Africa, some winter evenings can be rather cold down at the Southern parts (Cape Town), and we use infra-red, electric, or gas heaters. At any other time, the average temperature is 22 Celsius.

[@welynmayor]

😻 i owned a kotatsu before but never appreciated its use that much coz of the space it occupies in my very small apartment. After watching this, I wanted it back and I long for it! lol!!!

[@Barrenge]

That was very interesting about the history of kotatsu. I like the round designs.I have not seen them before.

[@japanagos]

Barrenger I think they came out with them pretty recently :) They're getting more and more stylish every year!

[@damedai4784]

In my store online, there is oval shape. www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-shipping-KT105-4-2-Sweet-European-Oval-Kotatsu-table-foot-warmer-table-design-105-75cm/709855_1415735693.html

[@keisha4]

This is very educational... thanks! Travelling to Osaka in 2 months. This will be useful. 👍

[@khalil3387]

thanks for the help i need it for my gaming set up

[@Space_Ace2000]

Well just add that to the list of things I love about the Japanese culture/ things I want to try

[@sogghartha]

Most houses here have central heating and usually good insulation. Only older homes might not have it. Winter usually isn't terribly cold here, though the last few days have been pretty cold, with some snow and slippery roads. But that usually doesn't last long.

[@NUorNEVER]

We have central heating here in Sweden, we really need it since it can get really cold in the winter (it was -27°C a week or so ago). Our houses/apartments are well insulated too. The thing is all my radiators are cold to the touch, I think my neighbors indirectly heats up my apartment.

[@ShadowPuppet3001]

great video I enjoyed the video I hope you stay warm 😎 🙏

[@TheBlackBrickStudios]

I'm not 100% sure if the electric blanket comes from the United States or Canada, but I can't live through winter in Central Washington without my blanket. It's probably not too special because it's not tied into my culture really, but it's what gets me through the harsh months. :)

[@WaffleCopterGAMES]

Subbed. Love that you incorparate teaching some japanese words into the video

[@PRABHATKUMAR-jj2zt]

I am learning Japanese and my 20% is done , but when I was learning Japanese I have noticed that many words Japanese people can't speak , but the way you are speaking English that gave me goosebumps that how can a Japanese can speak so Frank English , even I was shocked to see so many hot tables in a shop , in India there only in north there's so winter but in south there is very hot so we don't use kotatsu so much

[@sezardd3984]

We have a similar table in Iran Exactly like this And we call it kursi And it is very old for us. It was very interesting to me that we have such a similar old tradition Like you Japanese

[@lesleytv3473]

I never see a kotatsu before in my country, Malaysia because Malaysia is hot all through out all the year but we do have a lot of air conditioner inside a building to give ur cold air

[@Canadiansamurai]

I'm sure I could survive winter in Japan. Must feel like summer weather compared to Canada

[@uninvincibleete]

oTL it was literally 80 degrees today (Southern California). I don't even remember what cold weather is. TRADSIES??

[@kendraa_______9981]

You're such a determined individual! :) thank you for your work!

[@caorim5806]

炬燵ってそんな昔からあるんですね！ すごい、室町時代に作った人に感謝ですね(*^^*)

[@superheropup9161]

Hi ,I am from Iran and we have similar thing we call Korsi its been around for thousands of years in Iran ,and I love it. But now days all home have central heating so no many people use it.

[@MeVSGravity1]

Hey Chika, here in Germany we have central heating in every room you would spend more time in than just walking through, in 99% of all buildings. Execpt for very few buildings that are already under monument protection or something close to that. Those had coal furnaces in most cases until they said those weren't ecofriendly enough. But I remember my grandparents having a coal furnace in their living room, which was the only warm room and soo comfy. In some really old farmsteads you can still find beautiful tiled stoves. And nowadays woodstoves are being reinstalled because people like the romantic vibe :) A question for you: how long can you sit seiza? With two years of 'practice' during meditation in my kendo club I can barely endure 15 minutes before my feet are completely numb :D I really envy anyone who can do better.

[@lenneth58]

Subscribed!!! thank you for your videos! love them! they are very informative, plus you are very lively!!! I will be visiting Japan late November this year, so I'm very excited! Keep on making videos!

[@caviesrule4445]

Another great video! I love these themed vids where you explain the subject very well!!

[@japanagos]

RealDutchLady Once I start looking into it I can't stop lol

[@AngelaBonanza]

That sounds so cool! I bet you could DIY it with a space heater below a table, and then drape a blanket over the top haha

[@doyouzgot2knw]

I love watching the videos they're so awesome and full of fun and cool information :)

[@tiggerluvorange86]

Im from malaysia and we hv summer all year long. I really hope to go japan someday to try out kotatsu after your introduction, wuhoo~

[@VideoSouls]

This is one of the many reasons why I want to live in Japan. Maaaaan I want a kotatsu so bad (even though I have central heating).

[@damedai4784]

do you want to buy one from online store: www.aliexpress.com/store/709855

[@kenzoshibakariki1780]

You really need to consider surprising your おばあさん obaasan (grandma) with one of those dining table kotatsu's with chairs! :) That sounds like a great gift idea!

[@bannol1]

Heating up the entire house is a good thing. It prevents damp and mould. Europeans are just as energy conscious and efficient as the Japanese, but their homes are always toasty and comfy in winter. I find it surprising that such a modern place like Japan can not solve the comfort issue in winter in a modern, energy efficient way without having to freeze when going from one room to another. Anyway, Japanese living spaces are not that huge that it would be such a huge cost or problem to have a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout in winter.

[@whatwouldberyldo]

I miss hanging out at my kotatsu 24/7 when it's cold! ;~~;

[@SethSiegfredSufijan]

I don't have Kotatsu in my house, but i think the aircons in Japan are sooooo smart!! Half day turning on the aircon in winter,setting the temperature into 25Celcius will cost only for 110yen a day! and I'm Japanese educated Filipino...which means my English level is between Japanese & Filipino, hehehe

[@athenapatrick5447]

thank you for the full explanation :)

[@Tsuki570]

Gosh! Whenever I see a kotatsu in anime or my Japanese dramas I am so eager to try it! It looks soooo cozy!

[@damedai4784]

Hi, For more Kotatsu, please go to my online store www.aliexpress.com/store/709855

[@kaneshirojames]

Tsuki570 hahahah www.kotatsuamerica.com/nodame-cantabile-kotatsu-scene/ this right??? That's when I first saw kotatsu in drama... instant love.

[@Tsuki570]

Yep! Exactly that! The Nodame drama had me wanting to try it SO BAD! Haha!

[@Mat_R.]

naruhodo ..... This is very useful!! Honto arigatou, Chika-san!

[@allgoo1964]

Even if you have central heating system, kotastu will save you heating cost by turning down the heating system dial. I bet many household with the heating system(like people in Hokkaido) still have a kotatsu.

[@shibby1998]

first video I found of yours and I subscribed ! Can you make another kotatsu video in the winter showing how you set yours up ? Also how much in American dollars one would be typically spending on one of those tables. like cheapest to most expensive and how kuch different quilts go for . I really wanna buy one but ...they dont exist in Texas . It gets cold here too in winter...