Kotatsu – The Bed/Table/Couch/Heater

As if getting out of bed in the morning wasn’t hard enough.This Japanese creation known as Kotatsu has now made the reasons to get up in the morning even less compelling.The Kotatsu is made up of a blanket, low-table, table-top, and a heat source.The blanket is placed between the low-table and table-top with the heat source sitting underneath the blanket. The heat source is either an electric heater or burning charcoal.We’re not sure if this method is exactly risk free, but the idea certainly is appealing.The origins of the Kotatsu can be traced back to a 14th century Japan, with appropriate alterations made to accommodate modern day needs.Someone wearing traditional Japanese clothing would place their legs under the blanket and have warm air circulate around their robes, heating the entire body.Most Japanese homes have little insulation so Kotatsu serve as an effective space heater during the winter months.