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Japanese Furnishings Help Foreign Athletes Relax (February 13)
In one corner of the Olympic Village is a TV lounge for foreign athletes where two "kotatsu" have been set up. "Kotatsu" are low-lying tables with an electric heater covered with bedding. People sit around them on cushions on the floor to keep their feet warm.They've proven to be quite popular with foreign athletes and coaches, who've been holding meetings and relaxing in them.
Also in the lounge are two small statues of "maneki neko" (which literally mean "inviting cats" because their raised paw seems to solicit people to come closer); four framed traditional paintings; an old chest of drawers; and a Japanese-style hearth.
These furnishings, which give the lounge a distinctively Japanese ambience, are the personal possessions of Shinichi Shimomura, a 55-year-old restaurant owner.
One athlete who's taken a strong liking to the "kotatsu" is Andrea Tagwerker of Austria, who placed fifth in the women's singles for the luge on February 11. Her good finish may have been due to the meeting she had with her coach in the kotatsu before her race.
"The 'kotatsu' is wonderful because it really warms you up," Tagwerker said. "And I think these cats are adorable."
"I'm curious to see how my furnishings are being used by the foreign athletes," Shimomura said, "and so I drop by the lounge from time to time. I'd be very happy if they can contribute to allowing athletes to relax and perform at their best."
The "kotatsu" is a relaxing way to keep warm in the winter. (Shinonoi Nishi Middle School)