There is a lot you can learn about the world from reading a book or watching something on television. That’s why I created a series called Learning About Culture in order to discuss or learn about the things you may see or read. Good Morning Call is a Japanese drama made in conjunction with Netflix and Fuji TV. The following are some cultural things that I wondered about while watching the series.
In the drama, there were many things that I wanted to learn more about and so I conducted brief internet research. The following is the information that I gathered. Hopefully it will interesting to you as much as it was for me.
Japanese Heating Table (Kotatsu)
Nao approves the heating table.
On the very first episode of Good Morning Call, Nao set up this amazing table that I didn’t know existed beforehand. A kotatsu is a low wooden table, covered by a heavy blanket topped by a table top. Connected to the table is a heating device, typically electric, but can also be charcoal. They are exclusively used in Japan, but similar tables can be found in other cultures.
A table like this is definitely something I would use to survive the winter months. You can find one on online. I almost want to buy one. It would totally be my workstation since I like to sit on the floor to work anyway. I’ll just be more comfortable.
Kagami Mochi
Yuri giving a kagami mochi to Nao.
Kagami mochi is a Japanese New Year decoration which consists of two round mochi (rice cake). A smaller mochi is placed on top of a larger one. And there is also a daidai (Japanese bitter orange) place on top with a leaf.
The two mochi symbolizes the going and coming of years and the daidai represents the continuation of family from generation to generation. Nowadays plastic kogami mochi can be bought.
Skytree Ice Cream
Nao and Daichi sharing a Skytree ice cream.
What is that tower of deliciousness? It’s none other than the Skytree ice cream. When I first saw this, I considered making it myself. But I wasn’t too sure what was in it and the top piece of sugar seemed like a difficult technique to emulate (I saw it once of the Great British Baking Show).
The Skytree Tower is currently the tallest building in Japan. So it is only fitting the Skytree ice cream is the tallest as well. This ice cream can be purchase in the cafe near the Skytree Tower. It looks so yummy.
Kaedama
In the drama, Nao works at a ramen shop. This is where I learn about the magic of kaedama. Kaedama is what you ask for when you want another serving of ramen noodles at a ramen restaurant. But this makes me wonder if you can only order a kaedama in Japan. I, of course, can never eat all my noodles in one sitting sadly. But if I ever did, it’d be nice to know if I can order more.
Renting comforters
When Nao’s parents came to visit, they rented some futons and comforters so they could stay the night. I thought that was a brilliant idea. It’s similar to the air mattress here in the United States when visitors come to sleep (that is if you don’t have a guest room or an extra bed or a futon).
There is actually a company in Tokyo where you can rent your comforters. It’s called Tokyo Rent A Futon and you can read about it in this blogpost. Also if you want to read more about futons in general, here’s a link.
Yukata
Yukata translates to mean “bathing cloth” and is traditionally worn at bath houses and hot springs. More recently, Yukata have been worn during the summer. Made into fashionable design, making it hard to distinguish between yukata and kimono. You can find some interesting one online. And for more information, click here.
What do you think of these things?
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October Update: I added the locations to a separate blog post about travel spots.
Other articles about Good Morning Call:
