Winter Heating in Japan | Shenmue Realism

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Today's post on the Phantom River Stone blog looks at some of the realistic detail depicted in Shenmue relating to heating in the 1980s as the Yokosuka winter sets in. Traditionally-built Japanese house like Ryo's are not well suited for keeping the cold out (or the heat in), but ingenious devices such as the kotatsu help to make up for it.

The historical temperature in Yokosuka on November 29, 1986...


The identity of this device at the Alpha Trading Office...


...and the wonders of the kotatsu.


Blog post:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2016/1 ... alism.html

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I generally only stay on the first page even if an old post and I see no one else here bothered to comment, but I like history and Japanese architecture so ehhh... I found this post interesting.

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Glad you found it of interest!

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[RyoShenmue]

I use neither, but I will keep my eye on it here. I know in Japan they have electric tea pots. I assume that is basically what that is back then, maybe also a tall heater? Is that only viewable in winter time in the game?

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The kettle of water sitting on the heater plays a dual role - it can be used for making tea but also was a way to humidify the air.

I think the heaters (and kotatsu etc) are visible throughout the game, which is probably realistic given the weather would remain cold over the period the first game is set in.

[RyoShenmue]

I am not sure what part of Japan this game takes place in- as in north, south or central... and it has been a while since I really last played it, but I vaguely remember different seasons, thus weather and temperature changes.

[Testament]

That's a kerosene stove, popularly used for heating offices and classrooms (and homes in some cases). Still used to this day!