Contemporary lifestyles in Japan are reflected in new types of kotatsu, traditional tables with internal heating that are often draped with a futon (quilt) to retain warmth.
Gaffe-prone ruling party heavyweight Taro Aso on Feb. 2 retracted sexist remarks he made about the physical appearance of Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, a politician he labeled as capable but not beautiful.
Taro Aso, vice-president of ruling LDP, said Yoko Kamikawa ‘not that good looking’, got her name wrong, used ageist jibe and mixed up her place in history