Rushan Ziatdinov is a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Keimyung University, Daegu.
Suggestions from Hokkaido on how to endure Korea's winters
Rushan Ziatdinov
Last year, I suggested some ideas in a Korea Times article on enduring the Korean winter, following the advice of Canadians published in 2022, and this year, I was curious to see what ideas could be adapted from Japan.
I decided to ask some questions about winter to several people who have experienced living in Hokkaido, most of whom are foreigners living in Japan. Looking ahead a little, I would like to thank the respondents for their help and wish all the people of Korea and Japan all the best in the new year.
The mysterious island of Hokkaido has been one of my areas of interest since I first learned about Japanese culture, but I still have not had a chance to visit this beautiful place. Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan and is known for its snowy winters. The northern part of Hokkaido falls into the taiga biome with significant snowfall. Snowfall varies widely in Hokkaido, from as much as 11 meters in the mountains to about 1.8 meters on the Pacific coast, according to the travel website JapanTravel.
How to keep homes warm
Heating methods mentioned by respondents were kerosene and electric heaters, central heating, smart home heaters with thermostats and air conditioners with heating capabilities. Respondents noted the importance of using humidifiers or a metal kettle with hot water on a kerosene heater. A modern Japanese kerosene heater looks like a modern electric heater and is equipped with many buttons and functions. Central heating is something I'm very familiar with, as it was common during the time of the former Soviet Union and is still the main way to heat homes in Russia.
Perplexity, an artificial intelligence chatbot, suggested the 1-K kerosene type, which is a high-grade kerosene that is known for its clean-burning properties and lower odor. Most kerosene heaters produce between 3.3 and 6.8 kilowatts, but who knows, maybe in the future, scientists and engineers can implement a more efficient home-heating system based on hydrogen or mini nuclear reactors that can be cheaper or even free for people.
Homes in Hokkaido often feature double windows to improve insulation, and south-facing windows can maximize solar heat gain. Also, to prevent heat loss, people can use cardboard or bubble wrap between window panes and narrow cushions to block drafts under doors. Humidifiers can help maintain comfortable air quality and prevent dryness associated with heating systems.
At home, respondents suggested using personal warming methods, such as wearing multiple layers of clothing, using electric blankets, warm slippers and special belly belts for extra warmth during sleep.
What food to eat
Respondents suggested drinks such as ginger tea and coffee with chocolate, and foods such as "nabe" (hot pot, also known as steam pot), ginger-flavored food and candies, curry, stews, soup, roasted chicken and homemade hamburgers.
Nabe is a one-pot dish that typically contains meat, fish and vegetables and is served in a mason jar or similar container, and it can be served while still boiling. The pots are traditionally made of clay or thick cast iron. Clay pots can keep warmth for a while after being taken off the fire, while cast iron pots evenly distribute heat and are preferable for sukiyaki.
In Hokkaido, there is a regional type of nabe known as "Ishikari-nabe," which is salmon stewed in a miso-based broth with vegetables; typical ingredients include butter, Chinese cabbage, daikon, konjac, potato, shiitake mushroom, spring chrysanthemum, tofu and Welsh onion.
Improving mood
Cold weather and reduced sunlight can affect people's mood and mental health, leading to conditions such as seasonal affective disorder. How can people cope with these negative effects? It is likely that exercising, visiting interesting places, staying outdoors in the sun as much as possible, attending music concerts, art exhibitions and movies to keep spirits up, listening to music and interacting with family as much as possible, or other activities can help. Respondents mentioned skiing, shoveling snow, walking the dog and stretching at home every day as activities that help refresh the body and mood.
Pets can often have a positive impact on people's mood and well-being during the winter months, and interacting with them can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and can provide a sense of companionship and comfort. Respondents suggested that pets should have access to sunny windows and plenty of bedding (especially for short-haired pets) when left alone during the day. Also, their bed should have a top or roof to keep the heat in. People also suggested giving pets more hugs.
Skin care and outdoor walks
Frequent application of body lotion, moisturizer, or cream to the hands, face and heels can help prevent the skin on the heels and hands from cracking. Respondents also suggested wearing several layers when outdoors, including a long, warm coat, warm underwear and a large scarf or muffler that covers the front of the body, a good pair of gloves, nonslip shoes and always having a hood or hat.
It is also recommended to avoid standing in one place for too long and try to walk like a penguin to avoid falling. If it is necessary to stay in one place, it is recommended to move frequently so that feet do not get cold. In addition, wearing fluffy, thick, soft socks during the winter months can help keep feet warm and prevent them from feeling too cold when they get wet.
A Japanese respondent said that it would also be interesting for Hokkaido people to learn wise suggestions from Koreans on how to endure cold winters, and to exchange opinions on the same topic with people from Northeast China and Russia. Probably, Japanese media and journalists can get more ideas from Koreans, Chinese and Russians or co-host discussions with the media of these countries.
Rushan Ziatdinov (www.ziatdinov-lab.com) is a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Keimyung University in Daegu. He can be reached at ziatdinov.rushan@gmail.com.