Japan is one of the countries with an extremely harsh climate. In winter, the temperature often drops to minus degrees, and the difference compared to summer is up to 30 degrees Celsius. At this time, the air is dry and snow falls in many places. In particular, snow falls more in the north and near the sea, almost white snow in winter. To cope with this cold weather, the Japanese invented a table to warm their house. Are you curious what table it is that is so magical? That’s the Japanese kotatsu table. Let’s learn about this interesting table with Janbox in the article below.
1. What Is A Kotatsu Table?
A kotatsu table is a traditional Japanese heated table that masterfully combines comfort and function. It features a low wooden frame with a heat source—either charcoal or electric—mounted underneath. Over the frame, a thick futon or blanket is draped, and a flat tabletop sits on top, allowing the kotatsu to serve as both a dining table and a cozy workspace.
This ingenious setup is designed to heat the soles of your feet and lower body, providing targeted warmth during the cold winter months. Typically placed directly on the floor, the kotatsu invites you to sit cross-legged or with your legs stretched beneath the blanket, which efficiently traps heat and keeps your lower half warm. This makes the kotatsu table not only a symbol of comfort but also an energy-efficient solution for staying warm in Japanese homes.
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2. History Of Kotatsu
The history of Kotatsu dates back to the Muromachi period in the fourteenth century. Its origins go back to the Japanese cooking furnace known as Irori. Charcoal is the main cooking method for traditional Japanese homes and is used to heat the irori oven.
In 14th century Japan, a chair was introduced to irori and its cooking function was separated from its sitting function. On the wooden floor, a blanket has been placed, called Oki, which trapped and geochemical the heat of the coal furnace.
The first ancestor of this modern kotatsu was called hori-gotatsu. The word hori-gotatsu is derived from the kanji 掘 り(hori) meaning ditch, 炬 (ko) meaning torch or fire, and 燵 (tatsu) meaning warmer foot.
The formation of hori-gotatsu was changed slightly during the Edo period in the seventeenth century. These changes include the floors around the irori being dug up into the ground in a square. Wooden platforms are placed around, making for a fireplace. The blanket was then placed on the platform again, where one could sit with their feet underneath to keep warm.
This kotatsu arose with the widespread use of tatami mats in Japanese homes. Instead of placing coals in the irori, they were placed in an earthen pot on top of the tatami making the boat moveable. In addition, modern-style kotatsu is called oki-gotatsu.
3. The Japanese Kotatsu Table – A Cultural Icon
For the Japanese, the kotatsu table is considered an indispensable part of daily life, especially during the cold winter months. Typically placed in the center of the home, such as the living room, the kotatsu serves as the heart of family activity. Its inviting warmth draws everyone together, fostering a unique sense of closeness.
In the evenings, family members gather around the kotatsu to share meals, watch television, play games, and chat. The thick blanket and gentle heat keep the lower body warm, allowing people to relax and unwind. There is a well-loved saying that “once under the kotatsu heated table, all your worries drift away like a familiar warmth,” perfectly capturing its calming effect.
Not only is the kotatsu an affordable and energy-efficient way to keep warm, but it also creates a cozy atmosphere for the whole family. By focusing activities around the table, households can save on heating costs during winter. When summer arrives, the blanket is removed and the kotatsu becomes a regular table, adding to its practicality.
Despite advances in modern heating technology, nothing can replace the kotatsu’s special place in Japanese homes. It remains a beloved symbol of comfort, tradition, and togetherness, treasured by generations for the warmth and memories it brings.
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4. Types Of Japanese Kotatsu Table
There are two types of kotatsu used in Japan today, differing in configuration and heating pattern
- Electric: The modern style of kotatsu (oki-gotatsu (置) consists of a table with an electric heater attached to the bottom of the table. This evolved from a clay pot with hot coals placed under a table. The kotatsu is usually placed on a thin futon, like a mat. A second, thicker futon is placed on the kotatsu board, on which the board is placed. An electric heating element attached to the lower part of the panel heats the space below the blanket.
- Coal: The more traditional type is a table set on a recessed floor ( hori-gotatsu ( り 炬 燵 ) ). The pit is cut into the floor and is about 40 cm deep. A charcoal fireplace is placed somewhere in the basement, wall, or, as in modern kotatsu, attached to the board frame. There is a pitiful kotatsu with an electric heater too.
5. General Features Of Japanese Kotatsu Tables
Japanese kotatsu tables are known for their simple yet practical design, reflecting the minimalist spirit of Japanese household culture. Typically, a kotatsu consists of a low wooden table, usually standing between 35.5 and 43 cm high, with a thick futon mattress about 5 cm thick draped over it and a heating system underneath. Modern kotatsu tables come in a wide range of sizes, from compact models just big enough to warm your feet to larger versions that function as full-sized dining tables.
As technology has advanced, concerns about fire hazards from the futon have been addressed, making today’s kotatsu tables much safer. Most modern kotatsu now feature adjustable temperature controls, allowing users to efficiently manage warmth, whether just for their feet or to heat the entire room. Additionally, kotatsu mats are often used, especially in homes with hard floors, to provide a comfortable seating area and complement the table’s design.
To use the heat level economically and efficiently, today’s Kotatsu all have a temperature control mechanism. People can choose to just warm their feet, but they can also turn it into a heater to warm the whole room.
One of the extra parts of the Kotatsu table is the mat. Traditional Japanese houses have tatami (soft papyrus and woven straw) floors, which are not as stiff as wooden or concrete floors. However, modern homes and harder floor surfaces, require some sort of cushion to act as a seating area for the Kotatsu table. Nowadays, Kotatsu mats or Kotatsu mats are commonly used with these tables to match with kotatsu table design. They are placed under the Kotatsu table so that it covers the seating area around the table.
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6. Conclusion
Japanese kotatsu tables come in a variety of sizes, designs, and price ranges to suit every home. For the best selection and authentic quality, consider purchasing directly from the Japanese market. If buying internationally seems challenging, you can use the cross-border shopping platform Janbox.com for a quick and convenient experience. Visit the website for guidance and fast delivery, helping you bring the perfect kotatsu table into your home with ease.
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