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One of the primary reasons for the absence of central heating in most Japanese homes lies in their construction style. Historically, Japanese houses have predominantly been built using wood, resulting in poor insulation capabilities. Traditional structures, such as those featuring paper doors and gaps that allow for air circulation, are not designed to retain warmth effectively.
The characteristics inherent in these homes mean that installing central heating would not only be less effective but also costlier. Many older homes are constructed with ventilation in mind due to Japan's high humidity levels. Features like the Ranma — decorative transoms — facilitate air circulation yet complicate the heating process, making it difficult to create a consistently warm indoor atmosphere.