User:Keroobean/Kotatsu

History

Zen Buddhism's Priest brought kotatsu from China in the Muromachi era. Old Japanese people made Ikotashu because they wanted to keep heat from fireplace. They put turret over the fireplace.

Horikotatsu has used since Edo era. In middle of Edo era, kotatsu was put house. Both kotatsu and hibachi had used by Japanese people. They ware necessary for Japanese winter life. Hibachi was for visitor and guest in temple and samurai. On the other hands, kotatsu had used by families in Japanese houses.
There were two reasons for the development of kotatsu. The first was the increase in cotton thread. The second reason for the increase fuel. Fuel included charcoal burner, but it was a troublesome job to fire to kotatsu.
After the Second World War, kotatsu began to utilize infrared rays. This year is nineteen fifty-six. Kotatsu which use infrared rays are the mainstream now. Kotatsu's good point is efficiently.

Kotatsu can not warm the whole house. But, when people once put leg into kotatsu, it is difficult for people to get people's leg out of kotatsu. This means Japanese tradition. There are three traditions. Primarily, Japanese living did not suit all our house heat. Secondly, there is not much fuel for kotatsu in Japan. The third tradition is old Japanese people thought humble and saving life is virtue in Japan. In Japan, people gather small houses. Kotatsu suits the Japanese winter life style. In summer, kotatsu is used as table in Japan now, too. Recently, people can see kotatsu all year in Japan.

How to use

If people use kotatsu right way, people can save the money. And it is easy on the environment.

Kotatsu is a standard piece of furniture in winter.Kotatsu is convenient goods. There are many reasons. First, the Kotatsu can be opereted easily and Kotatsu becomes hot quickly. So, Kotatsu is popular in winter.

Kotatsu needs electricity.The Kotatsu consume four yen each of electricity a hour, but people can save electricity.first, people who are sitting at a Kotatsu put their feet into the Kotatsu use there is no just futon, the overlay futon and uses also the mattress. Mattress prevents heat from escaping, which saves electricity. So, electric use a few than usally.Therefore, people can save money. Compared to only a quilt or a double quilt. People can save the money 10% to 15%.
second, Kotatsu's temperature is low. Generally. people set strong temperature. But, setting is enough middle temperature. If set temperature is designated strongly as in the empty, also the electricity consumption quantity decreases the 20 to 30% soon, becomes conservation of approximately 1100 yen at year. Kotatsu is warm. So, people often are lyed sung in the Kotatsu. The chargea of electricity waste. for example, when it keeps acquiring 6 hour electricity is electric change of 24 yen.
Money is not the only just a problem with a Kotatsu. it is easy for people to keep a superficical burn to sleep in the kotatsu and people do keep some attitude because, people do not move. So, people do not have to sleep in the Kotatsu. Kotatsu is convenient and simple operate. So, Kotatsu is loved by many people forever.

Feature of Kotatsu

Kotatsu is heating equipment that is energy efficient and cheap. Kotatsu's heat source is covered with a futon, So, its thermal efficiency is good. Japanese houses are drafty, so, it is inefficient to heat the entire room. Warm air rise up. So, the Kotatsu that heats only one's feet is an efficient heating equipment. Fuel is unnecessary. The kotatsu is worked through electricity. So, the Kotatsu is heating equipment that work cheaply.
This seems to be Japanese. because, the Japanese had the idea that disliking uselessness for a long time. The Kotatsu is heating equipment only in Japan. It is not only heating equipment but also the feature of the Kotatsu to be able to use it as furniture. If the quilt is removed, it is possible to use as a table. The Kotatsu is a tool of the family togetherness. The family gathers around the Kotatsu and it can enjoy the family togetherness. Kotatsu is thought that shows the winter of Japan. So, the Kotatsu is a season word to show winter in the haiku.
There are two kinds of Kotatsu. One is "Horigotatsu". This is a kotatsu on the floor dug down. It is to sit like to sit on chair and the foot is comfortable. Another one is "Okigotatsu". This is more popular than Horigotatsu . This is coverd with the futon to the table. So, it is possible to move it to a different place, this is convenient.