Some Words of Caution
For the unaccustomed, sitting on the floor can be unpleasant and even painful. In particular, the formal sitting posture is difficult for today's young Japanese to maintain for long periods, though in fact the informal posture is all that is required in most situations. Cushions can make sitting on the floor more comfortable, as can the use of a small, legless chair. Separate, independently standing armrests also offer some support.
If your feet should fall asleep while you are sitting on the floor, do not attempt to stand up right away. Extend your legs and massage them gently, and try to stand up only after the prickly feeling is gone. If you know in advance that you will be sitting Japanese-style, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Jeans, for example, will constrict the flow of blood to the lower torso and create discomfort and pain. It is also a good idea to check if your socks have any holes in them before you leave home, rather than discover this after arriving at your destination! Some people even carry an extra pair of clean socks to change into, especially when they know there is going to be a tatami floor.
SUNKEN KOTATSU
Cross Section
In the summertime, the table frame is stored in a floor cavity and covered either with a piece of tatami or wood.
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