A kotatsu is basically a table, usually square in shape, with a futon or heavy blanket cover. What’s most interesting is that a heater is attached to the underside of the table.

Nothing beats the combination of covering yourself up in the kotatsu blanket and eating mikan (a type of Japanese mandarin orange), a practice common in Japan. Life at home during Japanese winters often revolve around lazing about under the kotatsu while watching TV.

It can be a dangerous pattern to get into though. I mean, who would ever want to do anything else when it is so cold outside, and so comfortable to just stay under a kotatsu and relax? Definitely not me.

Let’s remember the following useful sentences before going to Japan!

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●Saikin samukunatte kite, sorosoro kotasu dasou kana to omoimasu.
(最近寒くなってきて、そろそろこたつ出そうかなと思います。)
> With it getting colder recently, I’m thinking about bringing out the kotatsu soon.

●Shumatsu ha kotatsu de gorogoro shichatte, nani mo dekimasendeshita.
(週末はこたつでゴロゴロしちゃって、何もできませんでした。)
> I ended up rolling around under the kotatsu all weekend and couldn’t get anything done.

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Now all that’s left is to go out there and try using them in Japan!


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Toshikoshi-soba (年越しそば) Fun! Japan Words vol.123