Officially winter... the kotatsu's down.

But it's not really winter yet, because this is only the light kotatsu.

Sometimes I'm so Japanese I amaze myself.

From 2008-11-13

I still say the kotatsu is Japan's best invention. Except for maybe sake. Or sushi. It's close.

Kotatsu - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

"A kotatsu (炬燵, kotatsu?) is a low, wooden table frame covered by a futon, or heavy blanket, upon which a table top sits. Underneath is a heat source, often built into the table itself..."