So, the new Japanese phrase for the day is: 'dantou,' the kanji for which literally mean 'warm winter.' That, according to the weather experts, is apparently what we are enjoying in 2007.
You've probably seen the shocking pictures on the evening news:
cherry blossom buds poking through in a balmy Washington DC in early January, the first snowless winter in the European Alps in 1000 years, and Japan's own amateur skiing championships delayed for lack of snow. To be sure, Osaka has enjoyed a nice, warm-ish winter this year - most days are around 10-12C.
That said, it's still a cold time of year - so, in my annual 'keep warm frugally' issue, I thought I'd introduce a few tried-n-true but not well known to the foreign community aids for warmth. Long-termers might not find anything new on the list, but newbies to Japan should get their shopping lists ready. In fact, late January and early February are an *excellent* time to purchase winter items - retailers want winter merchandise off their shelves yesterday, and will often heavily discount products. Stock up for next year!
1) Fuzzy acrylic/lambswool bed pads
These are called a variety of things in Japanese, from either
'fuyu you shiki paddo' (winter-use bed/futon pads) to 'muuton shiitsu'. Basically, these are quilted bed pads with a fuzzy,
soft texture much like the 'moufu' blankets one sees here so
frequently. They will typically have an elastic tie or band on each corner to attach it to your bed or futon. Be careful *not* to purchase the cotton variety intended for summer use - these are not as warm, and are design to absorb moisture.
I highly recommend purchase of these bed pads! Basically, you attach the pad to your mattress or futon on top of the sheets, fuzzy side up. You then sleep *on top* of the fuzzy part. For particularly cold nights, you can use an electric blanket *under* the pad to added warmth. While it might be tempting to scrimp on size, please buy one the same size as or larger than
your futon - you'll find yourself fighting with your sleeping partner over the space if its not!
These are frugal because they save on bedroom heading costs and (if aired and washed properly) can last for very long time.
2) Warm underwear
For years, I was astonished by the substantial underpinnings unveiled by Japanese women of all ages in onsen dressing rooms. Then, after a few winters of shivering through frigid waits on the train platform despite a warm coat, gloves, hat, and boots - I realized they had a point.
Ladies: those flimsy underthings from from Victoria's Secret (or Marks and Spencer, take your pick) are just not gonna cut it in this climate. Have a problem with cold hands and feet? Keeping your body's 'core temperature' warm with an extra layer closest to the skin will most definitely help. Affectionately called 'baba shotsu' or 'baba shaatsu' after the older women who love them, these warm boy shorts, camisole bras, or thin undershirts are a lifesaver in winter. I guarantee that even the most fashionable of office ladies you see is probably secretly sporting foundation garments that would make your grandmother jealous. So take a lesson from them, and visit the women's underwear counter of your nearest GMS or department store to check out the offerings.
Men: I haven't been shopping for men's underwear recently, but I can say that sales of similar items for men (longish boxer/brief underwear and undershirts) appear to be on the rise. While you probably don't have to go the momohiki (long underwear) route as my father-in-law does, adding an extra layer or too might help you venture out from under the kotatsu a little more often.
Why are these frugal? Keeping your body warm by adding extra clothes can help you lower your heating costs (by reducing the amount of time in use or lowering the thermostat temp), and keep you healthy.
3) 'Sukima Seals'
Having problems with corner drafts coming in from your windows and doors? Do you see phantom breezes *inside* your house? Is it sometimes warmer outside than inside? Maybe these 'sukima seals' (gap fillers for windows and doors) will help.
These are essentially small (6mm or 9mm) width strips of bristly mats backed by a sticker sheet. (See a picture at the link below). You simply peel off the back of the sticker tape, attach it firmly to the surface (i.e. crack under a door) you want to muffle, and stick it on. If the bristles are too long, you can trim them with scissors. The website advertises that the seals can cut temperature loss through window and door gaps by 2 degress Celsius - I have yet to try them, but this could be a useful product for older homes. Cost is Y940 plus shipping for two 2 meter rolls - though it might be available at home centers for less.
See: http://www.netyokocho.jp/nakanishikobo/goods/67866/
By Wendy J. Imura. Copyright 2007.