Japanese winter

: What Is Hiiragi Iwashi? The Spiky Setsubun Charm Made from Holly and Sardine

Hiiragi iwashi is a traditional Setsubun charm made from spiky holly leaves and a grilled sardine head. In Japan, Setsubun marks a seasonal “reset” in early February. And hiiragi iwashi is one of the most literal versions of that idea: a small, practical-looking object placed near the entrance to symbolically keep oni (misfortune) from entering the home. Quick Summary: Hiiragi iwashi is a Setsubun charm made from spiky holly leaves and a grilled sardine head, placed outside (usually near the entrance) to symbolically keep oni—misfortune—out. It’s most associated with western Japan, and households vary on when to take it down ...

: Kotatsu: Japan’s Coziest Winter Tradition

In Japanese winter, few things feel more comforting than sliding your legs beneath a warm blanket and settling into a kotatsu. Soft light, gentle heat, and a shared table — the kotatsu is not only a heater, but a space that brings people together. What Is a Kotatsu? A kotatsu is a low table with a built-in heating unit. A thick blanket (called a futon) is placed between the table frame and the tabletop, trapping heat underneath. You slip your legs inside, and warmth wraps around you instantly. Unlike central heating, the kotatsu warms your body rather than the ...