Under the kotatsu
14 December 2010 | 5 comments
This definitely isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned the kotatsu John and I bought at Ginza last May. It wasn’t exactly the most opportune time to purchase a kotatsu, so we hadn’t gotten any use out of it until D.C.’s most recent cold front.
On Saturday, I used it as a spot to display the onigiri I was making for Kevin‘s party in the evening. I made a ton, and thank goodness I did because they went fast! We ran into a lot of people from the Baltimore anime convention circuit there, so I didn’t even have to explain what they were.
In fact, I think this picture that I took at the party explains everything:
On Sunday, we had a couple friends over for hot tea and gaming around the kotatsu. It definitely makes for a cozy atmosphere.
Want your own kotatsu? I was just browsing J-list and it turns out they now carry a very affordable option, especially if you consider that it costs about $400 to get one on eBay! It doesn’t come with a comforter but you can always do what John and I did and pick up some non-flammable bedding. Click to check out the J-List kotatsu! Clicking this link also supports my site.
Kotatsu Tips
- To achieve peak Weaboo-ness, be sure to put a basket of clementines, green tea or a sake set on top.
- Never leave it plugged in when you leave the house! Easier said than done since it’s so quiet, so make a mental note.
- It’s tempting to stay under it for the rest of your life, so try to think of motivating goals like “eating ever again” in order to get up.
Looks so cozy! Oh, and the mention of clementines reminds me of growing up – I always found it strange to my American sensibilities that Koreans would bring gifts of fruit (clementines, asian pears, Fuji apples) when visiting others. Now, grown up, that’s part of my custom when making visits.
@Charles, I didn’t know you were raised in Korea. Also, Fuji apples are my absolute favorite.
Note:
Please ignore random floor lamp, and also ignore floor alarm clock… I had just moved the week prior and hadn’t decided exactly where to put stuff yet.
Also that’s a great price! Jlist why didn’t you have these sooner!
@John, pioneers always get the bum deal. At least we’re the first kids on the block with a kotatsu!
That’s one of the weeaboo-ish things I’ve been hoping of doing come 2011. A kotatsu seems like a perfect addition to our rather drafty home. It’s somewhat practical and feeds into my love of asian cultural.
Onigiri looked delicious by the way, good job.