How to Set Up a Kotatsu

I need one.

More than a year ago I started this entry with those three words and left it hanging.

I bought one.

          But now I feel qualified to share my elation on this piece of wonder furniture.If you have ever watched a Japanese drama or even anime you may have noticed the central table around which everyone gathers in the summer and the same table bundled in blankets for the winter. That is a kotatsu. Here is a picture of my kotatsu set up for the winter with soft and fluffy polar bear blankets from Nitori. (Nitori is my favorite furniture store here in Japan. It is like the Japanese version of Ikea and they make home deliveries. Here is their webpage for kotatsu supplies  https://www.nitori-net.jp/store/ja/ec/%E3%81%93%E3%81%9F%E3%81%A4?ptr=category)

           There are  several components to a kotatsu. Let me start by saying that it is, most basically, just a regular table in the hotter months. When winter comes there is another feature that I simply cannot believe the US does not sell. Under the table, built in, is a heating element that you attach the cord to . This heater  has insulated coils inside of it and a fan to spread the heat. It gets intensely warm very quickly - you can see the glow - but even on the hottest setting I can safely touch the heater box. 

Below is an aerial view of the table without the top. The table top is removable. The heater is built in under the beige, particle board center piece.  On this frame you lay the blanket and place the table top on top of that.  Then place your legs (or whole body) under the fuzzy blanket. Then turn the heater to your temperature of preference and relax. I  did a lot of research on kotatsu safety before investing and I found that it only poses a fire danger if you store fabrics under it and leave it on unattended. Even leaving the kotatsu running continually or sleeping under it is safe they say - although not advised. Folk wisdom says that sleeping under a kotatsu will give you a cold. In my experience, cold or not,  once you are under the kotatsu you can't leave till spring. There is an amazing new level of laziness that it inspires... which is not helped by my newfound ability to reach everything in my little house from one spot. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb_KCaslfBk

For a visual of how to set up a kotatsu, here is a youtuber setting up his own.
https://youtu.be/rygN2liuqFk

In the US, apparently the only way to get one is by making it yourself  which is not advised for general safety reasons or shipping it overseas. There are some places that offer them online in Europe, but do your research. I have never bought one in the West.
http://www.levraimeublejaponais.com/authentic-japanese-furniture-en/catalog/nagomi-line/furniture-list.htm