Things you didn't know you needed but can no longer live without: the Futon Dryer/Heater (布団乾燥機 - futonkansōki)!

It's been COLD here in the Bay Area, close to freezing for the last few weeks. Usually I like getting into a cool bed after a hot bath, but the unseasonable/unreasonable cold had me pull out this nifty device that works like an electric fan or hair dryer if you will.

You insert the hose between the futon mattress and comforter, push a few buttons and voila - a hot bed is served!

Why not heat your house up to a comfortable temperate I hear you ask, well just like in Japan we don't have central heating here!

If you're in the same situation and you love a hot bed but a cool bedroom, and/or if you need to dry out your futon and don't have the space to hang it, consider getting one of these.

You won't regret it!