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The scarcity of central heating can also be traced back to Japan's traditional lifestyle. The irori — a sunken hearth traditionally used for heating, cooking, and drying clothes — was a central gathering spot promoting familial interaction. Families would gather around the warm hearth during winters, reinforcing connections and creating community moments quite intentionally.
As the irori has mostly faded from modern homes, the kotatsu has become a contemporary substitute. The kotatsu, a low table with a heater underneath, not only provides warmth but also encourages family gatherings, reminiscent of the communal spirit fostered by the irori.