Article by: Rio Murakami

American Man Surprised by Japanese Heating Culture

On February 29, 2024, the Korean media Asian Economy reported that while in Korea it is common to stay warm inside the house and wear light clothing even in the middle of winter, the lifestyle and culture in Japan is a bit different.
The article introduces the experience of "Eric," a man who immigrated to Japan from the United States.

Eric said he was surprised to find that things that are commonplace in housing in his home country are not found in Japan.
In particular, he said that because there is no central heating in Japanese homes, it is cold outside of the living room, and he has to be prepared to go to the bathroom.
In Japan, "kotatsu," or a table over a kotatsu, is commonly used in place of floor heating.

Korean netizens expressed their pride in ondol, Korea's traditional floor heating system, and its importance as a cultural heritage. On the other hand, there has also been some discussion about Koreans complaining about heating costs, as it is common in Europe for people to wear sweaters to save energy.

In response to this report, opinions about Japan's heating culture and environmental considerations were also seen online. Some comments indicated that Japan is playing a role in preventing global warming.