"The root of all evil"

One of Japan's greatest inventions as well as its possible downfall; the kotatsu.  A kotatsu is a table with a space heater attached to the roof of the table, and a comforter on top to contain the warmth.  It is a simple concept, but as Chiaki from "Nodame Cantabile" says, "The root of all evil is the kotatsu."  

It is also the milk and cookies to any gamer, otaku, and any other type of lazy person.  Once you put the kotatsu with one of those activities, you'll never move until winter is over.  I have noticed while contemplating about what to post that what I consider to be Japan's greatest inventions are also the causes of the deterioration of humans.. basically what rots people's brains.  Trust me, I am one of the affected.  Some examples are manga, anime, Nintendo/PlayStation, the computer part that allowed primitive, HUGE computers to become small and personal, instant ramen.. you all know what I'm talking about.

So here's my kotatsu; ugly and plain... but very comfortable.

In this picture, my kotatsu isn't on but otherwise, the table top gets a bit warms so I advise you to put a buffer between your computer and the surface.  In my case, I am being ghetto and using old high school SAT and AP workbooks.

I really want this kotatsu.  More like I want her room.  Its so cute!

Here's what the bottom looks like.  The box thing is the space heater which is attached to a cord.  

Yes, that is Gundam Seed Destiny playing on my screen.

For those of you who are wondering, the space heater will not burn your feet.  The metal is covered with something fuzzy.

So enjoy your winter season with a kotatsu, but  use it with moderation.  Don't let it prevent you from staying indoors while the rest of the world goes on.

<SuNNy>