With winter continuing to rage all across the northern hemisphere, this post is devoted to quick tips for keeping warm. Of course, we’re going to throw in a special Japanese twist, especially since keeping warm here presents its own brand of unique challenges.
Japan may lead the world in technological advancements such as 3D television and automated toilets. But when it comes to properly insulated buildings, they’re sadly lacking. Winter here is often akin to urban camping, and the proper supplies are essential.
From electric blankets and propane heaters to steaming hot pots and cups of green tea, there are plenty of homegrown remedies for keeping the chill out of your bones. So, for any foreigners out there new to battling the Japanese elements, here is your queue to take good notes.
There may be only one month left to go before the cherry-blossoms signal the end of winter, but it’s never too late to get the mercury rising.While there is no shortage of steel, concrete and glass rising throughout Japan, the traditional architectural core unit is the machiya (町家), a wooden house with sliding rice paper walls and tatami floors. Granted, they’re becoming few and far between, but the basic elements are often retained, even in newer properties.
In the olden days, Japanese home-dwellers could alter the layout of their house based on the seasons. In the summer months, sliding doors could be aligned to catch the breeze, providing relief from the balmy humidity of the archipelago.
In the winter months, central heating would necessitate the stoking of the irori (いろり), a sunken hearth that provided warmth along with a steady cooking flame and roasting coals. But fires were a frequent concern. The 1923 Edo Earthquake set the old capital aflame, claiming more than 100,000 lives.
In the modern era, wall-mounted AC and heating units are the first choice of many. But a surprising reality for many foreigners arriving in Japan is that they’re anything but standard. Fret not however as without further ado, we’re about to share several ways to stay warm this winter.
Propane (Touyu, 灯油) Fears of peak oil aside, one of the easiest ways to heat Japanese dwellings is to invest in a good propane space heater. You can buy one for less than US$100 at any appliance store. Propane can also be purchased in large volumes at any gas station, with 20 liters costing about US$30.
For Westerns unaccustomed to the smell – to say the least – it takes some getting used to. But Japanese describe the warmth of burning propane as a blanket of heat. Compared to conventional heaters, it’s certainly more enveloping, and propane heats a drafty room in virtually no time at all.
Kotatsu (炬燵) A kotatsu is a combination wooden table frame and comforter that is centered on an electric heating source. With your back firmly pressed against a legless chair, you slide your feet under the blanket and draw warmth while relaxing at the tableside.
Although propane certainly has a learning curve, the culture of kotatsu is one that foreigners in Japan quickly fall in love with. The practice is made all the more endearing when accompanied by hot food, warm sake and raucous conversation that can last well into the night.
Japanese Hot Pot (Nabe, 鍋) While many Asian cultures have their own variants of hot pot, nabe consists of fresh meats and vegetables accompanied by soy sauce, cooking sake, mirin and/or rice vinegar. Every prefecture in Japan has its own signature variety, incorporating local delicacies, seasonal produce and microbrewed alcohols.
There are plenty of liquid accompaniments to nabe that also help to warm the belly. Beyond the obvious tumblers of slightly-warmed sake and room temperature ales, pots of green tea and houjicha (roasted tea) can be served alongside and/or after the meal to help increase blood circulation.
Need some other quick tips?
Convenience stores in Japan always seem to have everything you need – and plenty of stuff you think you need, but most likely don’t! Popular winter items are microwaveable heating packs, which slide under your pillow, and disposable glove warmers, which slide into the bottoms of your woolen socks.
And let’s not forget about Japan’s ubiquitous vending machines, which are technological marvels in their own right. With the ability to dispense heated cans, espresso shots, milk teas and even corn soup can be yours for as little as a handful of loose change. Even if you’re not thirsty, clinging a warm can in your hands makes waiting at the bus stop a lot easier.
So even if the weather outside is frightful, you can stay comfortable by following some of these author-tested tips. And don’t worry as spring is just around the corner – at least in this corner of the world.
** All images are either original photographs produced by this blogger or courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons Project **