UNBOXING a KOTATSU Importing a Japanese heated table in Canada

[@KoneTravelVlog]

Wow you guys living room looks like from the 80's. Plenty of Records and a Nintendo NES. Are you guys Time Travelers?

[@BumblingTourist]

Haaaa! We are both 80's kids, so that makes sense 😋

[@無花果-w4o]

kotatsu makes feel some happiness...

[@BumblingTourist]

It certainly does!

[@関東地方の住人]

The best thing about a kotatsu is that compared to things like air conditioners, it costs almost no electricity. Once you know this, you won't be able to part with the kotatsu.

[@BumblingTourist]

I will never part with my kotatsu! Our electricity bill is not much higher with the kotatsus on! They are so excellent!

[@nothingiseverperfect]

Thank you for sharing, y’all have a wonderful home! Can’t wait to get my own!

[@BumblingTourist]

Thank you so much for watching! It is still one of the best purchases we've ever made! I hope you get one soon!

[@vickili8574]

Thanks for doing a video on this Kotatsu table! I've been eyeing this one model for a while now,but I wasn't sure how this would look and work in our apartment. This definitely give me a better idea!

[@BumblingTourist]

Hey, thanks for watching!! We absolutely love the kotatsu!!! I hope you can get one 😊

[@SBBCFFFFSRE460]

こたつに入ってゲームしてお酒を飲むなんて、まるで日本みたい。幸せですね😊

[@BumblingTourist]

It makes me so happy too! 😊

[@saskia105]

I have this old table I’m converting into a kotatsu for my new bedroom and to be honest I’m so excited, I’ve been soaking up so much info about them.

[@BumblingTourist]

Once you have a kotatsu you will wonder how you lived without one! 🤣 Haaa Goodluck with the build!

[@saskia105]

@@BumblingTourist lol, thanks! I think it’ll go pretty good, probably only the cost of the heater and hardware so I’m pretty happy.

[@BumblingTourist]

@@saskia105 we were hoping to build one as well, but I went the easy route instead! Haaaa

[@saskia105]

@@BumblingTourist nothing wrong with that, you have a better guarantee that the heater will work right and more options for comforters in the right size.

[@Dilton94]

I learnt about these a few days ago and now I REALLY want one 😂 I’d seen it as an item in animal crossing but assumed it was a podium of some kind.. now I know :D They look lush and definitely what is needed during this super cold weather!

[@BumblingTourist]

They are honestly the best thing to have here in Canada (or anywhere cold). Would 1000% recommend. I'm typing this from under my kotatsu 😂

[@NaomiTru]

Awesome video. Currently living in Yokosuka. I’ve been wanting one of these for a while. Will definitely be placing one on my Christmas list.

[@BumblingTourist]

I hope you do get one, I still love ours so much! I'll be placing "living in Japan" on my Christmas list! Lucky! 😊

[@EvilCreampuff]

I remember the bliss of that warm kotatsu on that cold cold first night in Japan. You guys are living the life! Also... Yeah, it's kind of neat watching someone struggle with the unboxing. :')

[@BumblingTourist]

You enjoy my struggles!!!! Haaaaa. When are you getting your kotatsu?

[@droopsie1]

that looks really comfortable, especially with the rug underneath. I wonder if the price went up ever since you guys filmed

[@BumblingTourist]

We actually bought a second one a year ago (so we could each have a kotatsu) and the price was still the same. They look like they are about $399 Canadian currently. Still totally worth it in my opinion!

[@ぽんぽこ-p3t]

🇯🇵🌸Japanese culture: Kotatsu table. It's great to sit in a kotatsu while sitting on a chair without legs.

[@BumblingTourist]

We love it so much! Japan is correct!

[@MelissaBaker.]

Hey guys! I'm from Quebec and I've been owning a kotatsu for nearly 12 years now. Plugged directly in the wall outlet and still works perfectly! Enjoy many chilly evenings under your new favorite table! Please don't fall asleep under it still on tho, it could lead to you waking up having to PUKE YOUR GUTS OUT. True story I experienced myself, 0/10, do not recommend. Lmao

[@BumblingTourist]

It's seriously the best investment ever, eh??? Haaaa we will keep that in mind, sounds like a terrible experience 😱

[@lanay237]

Hi can you tell me how you handled the japanese plug and required voltage from the heater? I don’t know how it is in quebec but I’m having trouble finding a solution with supplying the 100V the kotatsu heater needs

[@MelissaBaker.]

@@lanay237 Sorry, I'm not sure I understand your question.

[@randacnam7321]

@@lanay237 The simplest way is to get a 100V converter transformer rated for the heater load. Iffen you know how to do basic electrical, you can wire up a 16V or 24V buck/boost transformer to make a bucking supply as this is a lot cheaper and lighter. If your mains feed runs a bit hot (125V or more), use a 24V transformer. If on the low side (115V or below), use a 16V transformer. Either one will work if your mains potential is around nominal. Remember that the transformer needs to be rated for the load.

[@onigiri1205]

3 years later, would you suggest getting a converter for the kotatsu? I bought myself one too and wondering if I should get one or not

[@BumblingTourist]

We still do not have a converter and we've had no issues!

[@Midori_Hoshi]

Living the dream.

[@BumblingTourist]

We certainly are!!! Would totally recommend

[@PersonaJergen]

My fiancee and I bought the same one. We live in the US and got a converter, but everytime the converter was plugged into the kotatsu that was on the fuse blew.

[@BumblingTourist]

Can you use it without the converter? I just use my travel converter 😬

[@muh-ken-z6226]

Me and dad are going to make a kotatsu and I can't wait

[@BumblingTourist]

That's awesome!!! Are you somewhere cold? It's amazing here in Canada

[@ericmckayrq]

Looks amazing for Nintendo and board games

[@BumblingTourist]

If you ever come back to Canada, you need one!!!!!

[@JivesTime]

It is amazing for exactly that! I have been replaying Chrono Trigger recently while sitting cozily under this Kotatsu. Good times.

[@tedkurokawa4161]

“カジュアルこたつ＝Casual Kotatsu”lol. There are also “家具調こたつ＝furniture-style kotatsu'” with long legs. It's a good idea to lay down insulation with aluminum foil and a rug, surround the four legs with a 10-15cm wall, and cover them with a long futon or blanket.

[@RonitBatra]

Happy Birthday 😂 this sure looks cosy to me. Thank you for this review/vlog video.

[@BumblingTourist]

One year later and it's STILL the best thing I've ever bought!

[@amberfrazier575]

They look easy to make. But Japan is on a 100V system and us is 120V you NEED a converter or it may catch FIRE or fry the electrical.

[@hackitmaster1505]

How has the voltage been? I really want a kotatsu but if i used a voltage converter it would waste too much energy.

[@BumblingTourist]

Ive never used a converter and have had zero issues!

[@jamespod8501]

Hey there! I just got this Kotatsu in the mail and have it set up. It was working great, but I noticed I hear a small click and it seems to power down the coils. After a while I hear a small click again and then it seems to power back up. Any idea if this is normal? Maybe it is hitting a certain temperature? I am trying to figure out if it’s defective, or if it’s my power outlets, or what could be wrong (if something is wrong lol). Thanks in advance for your help!

[@BumblingTourist]

Ours does that too! It gets up to heat then shuts off for a bit, but it's totally normal, otherwise it would overheat.

[@jamespod8501]

Thank you so much for the reply!! Feel much better about it :)

[@WithinPremises]

Y'all have convinced me to go ahead and buy this. Also in love with your living room setup!!

[@BumblingTourist]

I would totally recommend it!! Are you somewhere colder too? It's amazing to have here in Canada 💚 Our living room is basically just plants and records at this point haaaa!

[@priscillayg]

looks so cozy 😌 I want to get a kotatsu in the future, I’ve been looking at some Etsy sellers. also, I love your living room…the records, plants and gaming consoles!

[@BumblingTourist]

Thank you!! 😊 we totally recommend getting one! Etsy would be a great option!

[@priscillayg]

@@BumblingTourist has the kotatsu been comfortable long term for sitting? I’m curious on long you can sit before your legs get tired.

[@BumblingTourist]

@@priscillayg I could sit at it for days! My hubby ends up lying under it at somepoint, as after a few hours he gets uncomfortable... but it is still our only furniture! Still loving it!!

[@Jibanyan2610]

I don't really understand how it is that the top table doesn't wobble wgen I wedge the futon between. Am I missing something?

[@BumblingTourist]

It has like a lip thing around the edge that keeps it from easily coming off. Plus it's heavy, really heavy. It honestly barely moves, unless you really put all your weight into it

[@Jibanyan2610]

@@BumblingTourist Great! Thanks :)

[@crissygeex1]

I have a question!! Just got a kotatsu from my husband for Christmas, and I see yall have a rug/mat underneath, did you guys just have that or did you buy it for the kotatsu? (He got me the same kotatsu) im just perplexed about seating and comfort on hardwood floors. Tatami mats are outrageous imported so im looking at alternatives. Thank youuu!

[@BumblingTourist]

We are just using an ikea rug that we had before. The chairs we got from ikea too, because it was way cheaper. The key though is a good thick seat cushion!

[@andreajohnson6030]

I sit on a floor cushion on the floor and only use a rug to help insulate the space (I sit on title), but I've sat on the floor for years. Tatami absolutely are expensive and can be difficult to maintain, but if you take care of them, they can last something like two decades. I don't suggest it, though, unless you have a physical store you can go to and discuss proper care for them. My cushion isn't all that thick but I don't find that a problem. My partner, who does not sit on floors regularly, usually has their legs fall asleep, while I don't. I do, however, move around a lot -- it's one of the reasons I sit on the floor in the first place -- and use a couple of random throw pillows that I'll prop my knees up on sometimes when sitting. I don't even use back support, but mostly because I always put off buying a chair (I also planned to use an ikea chair without legs). With quarantine, I haven't had the chance to check out which would be comfortable for me. I suspect if you are not used to sitting on the floor, you could find more information from folks who learned to do it for meditation. There are lots of Westerners who culturally don't sit on the floor who have had to learn to do such for meditation, so there is a lot of resources out there.

[@crissygeex1]

Thank yall so much for the advice!! I reallt appreciate it ill give the pillows and rug a shot to see how I fair!!

[@TheBobelly628]

Sweet stuff 😂. Thanks for video. Please do a video on framing your vinyl albums ! 🤩

[@BumblingTourist]

Thanks for watching! Most of our vinyl is just pinned to the wall with straight pins... although I did make that shelf thing :P

[@harrobye8233]

Does the top part of the table slide around because of the blanket in the middle?

[@BumblingTourist]

The top can slide around, but it honestly doesn't slide very often. It's actually pretty heavy, and there is a little lip around the edge that keeps it in place pretty well.

[@sakuranina13]

I looove the chairs!

[@BumblingTourist]

They seem to be a pretty good hack, and much cheaper than importing the real deal

[@M88ULV]

How did you get Barry White to say Baby at the start

[@BumblingTourist]

It was a splurge, but I got him on board for the right price

[@JivesTime]

Lol. I feel my Barry White impersonation needs some work... and a lot more bass. Life goals.

[@M88ULV]

@@JivesTime Oooooh baby

[@M88ULV]

Do we know why they sit on the floor and that over there?

[@BumblingTourist]

I'm not sure actually, but im completely onboard! The best sleeps I have ever had have been on tatami mats on the floor. They are on to something....

[@M88ULV]

@@sirrobertrobertson2270 Very interesting, especially burping!

[@M88ULV]

@@sirrobertrobertson2270 Very interesting mate, thanks! You have a great day too.

[@maedae759]

Does the blanket just sit under the table top? Or are there holes to keep the blanket in place? I'm worried about getting too thick of the blanket and the table top doesn't fit !

[@BumblingTourist]

It's not a solid piece of table under the blanket, there are two large open sections. There is a bit to keep the blanket away from the heater though. You could probably get quick a thick blanket on there without an issue! 😊

[@OurTravelPlace]

Side note but I love how many plants you guys have 😆 Excellent purchase, you need to keep adding to your Japanese style living room!

[@BumblingTourist]

That's the plan! Add as much as we can before we run out of space, due to the plants! haaa

[@OurTravelPlace]

@@BumblingTourist ... Japanese plants? :D

[@BumblingTourist]

@@OurTravelPlace im going to need to do some research!!

[@maddies7447]

hey! did you end up needing to use the travel converter? i am also in canada and in an apartment and was wondering if there were repercussions for trying it out in a regular canadian outlet. if so, what converter do you use? if not, even better!

[@BumblingTourist]

We actually never needed it, no need or issue and we've been using the kotatsu for more than a year! I do have a converter I bring travelling, but I havent used it for the kotatsu

[@HuckSRX]

I was always looking for one and finally sealed the deal - assembled it tonight. Out of curiosity without a voltage converter, did it work out for you guys? I went to Amazon to buy one of those travel adapter, but it reads it won't convert voltage, so I am not sure if that was any helpful at all. Cheers!

[@BumblingTourist]

We never did get a converter and we have had zero issues over the past year. I do have it plugged into a serge protector though

[@BumblingTourist]

P.S congrats on joining the kotatsu gang, you will not regret it!!

[@talderson1]

How is the futon secured? Or, I guess I'm more worried about how the table top is secured. Will it fly off if hit while getting up? Thanks for the video. I saw this piece of furniture in Konosuba (season 2) and looked it up. I think there is a kotatsu gaming table in my future.

[@BumblingTourist]

The top isnt secured, per se... however, it is weighted and there is a lip around the edge that fits securely atop the legs. It would be very difficult to knock it loose when getting up! 😊 It's a wonderful table for playing famicom games at, and watching anime!

[@ericmckayrq]

Sweet. Now you need those Asian eating sticks and a lucky waving golden 🐱!! ... f couches... nice beats ... thank you for explaining chairs to me

[@BumblingTourist]

Yes and Yes!! we need all the asia in our house!!!!

[@JoJosCupofMocha]

a heated table, you say? I need this in my life...I'm always cold and need warmth!

[@BumblingTourist]

Oooh my goodness, yes we could not recommend it enough! Im always cold too!

[@JoJosCupofMocha]

@@BumblingTourist i have to look into it!

[@chococat1084]

How do you like the seats?

[@BumblingTourist]

We are still really enjoying them, although I've bought new cushions for them since

[@TravellingTom]

That’s crazy that you put a blanket on it - thought it would’ve been a fire hazard, but it looks like the Japanese know what they’re doing!

[@BumblingTourist]

Yeah! They used to have a fire underneath in a recessed hole...so anything is safer than that 🤣

[@andreajohnson6030]

They're designed to have zero clearance and to be mounted upside down: there's a little fan that blows the heat away from the heating element, so the top of it doesn't get too warm. I just reached down and touched mine, and even the frame on the bottom/front of the kotatsu heating element doesn't get hot enough to burn. Thank gd, as I regularly bump into it. An important note is that you absolutely should use a converter to be safe, as we are talking about heaters. The higher voltage is like using water with higher water pressure for something designed for a lower water pressure. That said, I do not use a converter, even though that is dangerous. I do not use the highest settings, as the difference in home voltage means that the heater will got hotter than it would on the corresponding setting if used in Japan. This means the lifespan of the heating element will be shortened and there's more likely to be a failure that could cause a fire. It is not safe to use any heating elements with voltages they're not designed for. I have not used a converter before because I used to be too broke to afford one. This conversation has reminded me that I need to buy one.

[@randacnam7321]

@@andreajohnson6030 Depends on the design margins of the heating element (as in can it handle the 44% overload from running on 120V instead of 100V). Granted, making a buck transformer is easy.

[@kayokimura8883]

" Kotatsu" table reminds me that the one of items to make worm and comfortable in winter .But I wonder if western people feel same way as we do. Because they have long legs, and they are not used to sit on the floor... Anyway, Happy Birthday. Enjoy "Kotatsu".

[@BumblingTourist]

I love it so much, but ive always loved sitting on the floor. Maybe im weird for a westerner 🤷‍♂️

[@DutchTravellingCouple]

Did i miss something? Why do you avoid Amazon?

[@BumblingTourist]

Because they treat their employees really poorly and ignore labour laws

[@DutchTravellingCouple]

@@BumblingTourist Different laws in the us. We use Bol.com or Coolblue. Ask your hubbie

[@Alexyyr]

Does it feel good?

[@BumblingTourist]

So warm and cosy!

[@MrSolidtiger]

Where did you guys order your’s from?

[@BumblingTourist]

www.amazon.ca/YAMAZEN-ESK-751-Casual-Kotatsu-Japanese/dp/B00F2C31AM But you could probably buy it straight from the seller too

[@noahsebastian2057]

Where’d you guys get the chairs from?

[@BumblingTourist]

We got them from ikea, you can buy just the chair part without the legs for super cheap!

[@7summerbeauty]

@@BumblingTourist do you have a link? Please? Btw i love that you are very respectful and a lovely being

[@BumblingTourist]

www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/loberget-blyskaer-swivel-chair-white-s79331865/ I cant seem to find the link for just the chair shell. We didn't buy the legs of the chair. LOBERGETSeat shellArticle no:103.893.64 is what we got

[@pramoddeshpande5688]

wow looks kawaii, may I know what kind of blanket did you use? normal comforter or a different one? Thanks :)

[@BumblingTourist]

We just used a normal double bed sized comforter. I think the comforters that are made for kotatsu are a bit thicker?

[@TheRiceKrispy.]

Fuck the couch! wow what a mood lmao

[@BumblingTourist]

I stand by that comment, one year later . 🤣

[@TheRiceKrispy.]

@@BumblingTourist lmao I know I’m so late butttttttttttttttt, better late than never 😂

[@BumblingTourist]

@@TheRiceKrispy. absolutely!!!!

[@pichi7115]

Where is the link to buy this I think I missed it 😣

[@BumblingTourist]

This is the one we bought: www.amazon.ca/YAMAZEN-ESK-751-Casual-Kotatsu-Japanese/dp/B00F2C31AM

[@cabbagemermaid1549]

You guys have Totoro and Ranma 1/2 shirts! I like you guys already! Also I totally want a kotatsu.🥰 My kids ripped off the tail of my P-Chan plushie...🥺🥲

[@BumblingTourist]

Oh no!! Ranma 1/2 merch is hard to find these days! Hopefully he can be mended! I would totally recommend a kotatsu, they're basically in every anime! Have you experienced one? After getting our kotatsu, I will never go back to a couch again :P

[@leanne16u]

Happy belated birthday

[@BumblingTourist]

Thanks for the card!!!! :)

[@M88ULV]

OMG FERST

[@BumblingTourist]

oh my gerbbbbbb

[@Vexei]

There is no way anyone believes this and I don't either but I was watching nichijou and got to the screenshot in the thumbnail of this video which is episode 17 and that exact frame made me interested in looking up heated tables because a scene prior had 4 characters using one for a while so I look it up on KZbin and this is the second video with the exact frame I paused the anime on. I think the simulation just broke Infront of my very eyes.

[@BumblingTourist]

That is crazy!!!!! So cool that you've watched that episode! I always think about Nodame Cantabille when I am at the kotatsu. There is a wonderful kotatsu episode of that!

[@PETBOY]

Kotatsu is a primitive thermal insulation method, so it's nothing special. Just put a large blanket on your desk and you're done. Korsi has been used in Persia for a very long time. When a heater is attached, there have been many cases of burns in the past, so the output is less powerful with the latest product.

[@BumblingTourist]

The added heat is lovely though when the house is so cold in winter here!!

[@andreajohnson6030]

Primitive is not the word I would use. It's an old idea, and yes, Persia and many other places have come up with similar ideas, but kotatsu (and I assume it's the same for modern korsi heaters) are more than just space heaters with a blanket thrown on a desk. Electric kotatsu heating elements have no required clearance; they are designed to be mounted on the bottom of desks or tables, and fires are very rare. It is easy to substitute a desk or low table for the table part of a kotatsu. I personally use an IKEA lack coffee table, a quilt I bought on clearance and the board that would have been the table's shelf as the hard surface on top of the quilt. My partner finally caved to the cold, and I put one together for them using a desk as the main part of the frame. In both cases, however, I used a heating element designed for kotatsu, as I know that misusing heaters is dangerous. So while the idea for kotatsu may be very old, the heaters themselves have evolved over the years and are quite modern. Also, kotatsu refers to the table as a whole with the heating element (the name is usually not written with Chinese characters, or kanji, but when it is, the characters mean "flame" and "foot heater"), so putting a blanket over a desk would not be a kotatsu. I am not as familiar with korsi, so I do not know what the heating elements used for modern korsi look like and can't speak to their safety, but as for kotatsu, the heating element has a cage that can be touched without burns. Even the "top" or back of the heating element doesn't get too hot, as the hot air is blown down.

[@BumblingTourist]

@@andreajohnson6030 Yes! The one we have is very safe and it is virtually impossible to burn yourself because of the grate over the heater, and the design. It doesnt stay on constantly either, but maintains the heat by switching on and off.😊

[@andreajohnson6030]

@@BumblingTourist But you should absolutely get the converter if you haven't already. It honestly isn't safe and your heating element will have to be replaced early because of it, so it's not cheaper, either.

[@BumblingTourist]

@@andreajohnson6030 yep I have one

[@user-MifuyuAgata]

日本人もそうだけど、こたつの魔力に飲まれてしまったか…… What's a magic power of kotatsu…… Almost Japanese also can't win the magic power, too.

[@BumblingTourist]

Kotatsu is the best invention ever! Thank you, Japan !!

[@user-MifuyuAgata]

@@BumblingTourist それなです！ I here you. こたつ発明した人を誇りに思います😤 I proud of first Kotatsu inventor!

[@richardalverson]

RANMAAAA!

[@BumblingTourist]

Yes!!!!! Ranma music for the win!!!!

[@DrPastah]

No carpet underneath? Jeez

[@BumblingTourist]

We have a carpet underneath and grass matting

[@明川元]

カジュアルこたつ= Casual Kotatsu

[@BumblingTourist]

That checks out! 😚

[@hasbeh9575]

Happy birthday 😶

[@BumblingTourist]

Thanks 😊 almost a whole year older now! 💚

[@andreajohnson6030]

The katakana on the front just says "casual". And while "ma" and "a" do look similar in katakana, if you have a hard time telling them apart, it means you haven't practiced writing them enough lol. I have no sympathy with confusing kana, as I had to learn to write my last name in kana very early on: ジョンソン

[@BumblingTourist]

We have only learn for fun, so we aren't very good.

[@thegeneralfrogarmy9721]

That ain't no empty room man

[@BumblingTourist]

Empty-er than it was? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@thegeneralfrogarmy9721]

@@BumblingTourist na man that room was filled up

[@zeroshimobe]

in cold days kotatsu is worth TRAP ^_^

[@BumblingTourist]

A lovely warm trap!!!

[@jomotani]

Add yogibo here.

[@BumblingTourist]

Good idea!!

[@indoorfisherman]

can you guys both lie down under it at the same time

[@BumblingTourist]

If you overlap, yes. Not side by side though

[@松川桜-z7y]

human exclusive 「kotatsu」 →🐶 and 🐈 is glad 💕 love sleep ✨ japan →「futon🐶🐈」and 「kotatsu🐶🐈」 exclusive pet✨🌸 💕 arigato✨🎶

[@BumblingTourist]

Animals do love kotatsu too!!! They need special fur-tons! 😁

[@user-xm5cj5js2d]

こたつ 海を越えるw 日本より🇯🇵

[@BumblingTourist]

こたつをありますか?

[@FlyingHawlucha]

Nah mate not for me

[@BumblingTourist]

To each there own. It's excellent in cold winters here

[@OH-TANI2024]

座布団にして座った方が腰回りに筋肉が付いて太りにくくなるよ。

[@BumblingTourist]

確かにそうですね !

[@NEStalgia1985]

Put in bleachers

[@BumblingTourist]

So the people can watch us sit at our kotatsu!? Excellent idea.

[@NEStalgia1985]

I'm offering a days labor if buy the beer

[@StopFear]

This is pretentious and feels like cultural appropriation. Kotatsu tables is one of those things that makes sense to use if you are used to them since childhood. Obviously the people in the video grew up with western furniture. Think about another situation. People in Canada visiting their friends in the video. They are used to sitting on chairs with reclining backs. You going to make them fold their legs on the floor and explain why you needed that kotatsu table. They even purchased chairs for proper spine support and chose not to attach the feet to the chairs. May as well have bought a normal table and attached a heater to it and say like, let’s be honest, what you are used to.