Kerosene Heater

Kerosene heaters remain a common sight in Japan, particularly in older homes, small businesses, and rural areas where central heating is rare. Even in urban environments like Tokyo, many residents still rely on them to keep individual rooms warm during the winter months. Unlike in colder regions such as Hokkaido, where kerosene delivery trucks regularly roam neighbourhoods, city dwellers in places like Tokyo often purchase their own kerosene from petrol stations or home centres.

A distinctive aspect of this practice is the use of bright red plastic containers, known as touyu jerry cans, which are often seen lined up outside homes, apartments, and small businesses, waiting to be filled. These sturdy containers, usually holding 18 litres of fuel, signal that the owner is either running low on kerosene or anticipating a refill. In many areas, residents leave them outside so that kerosene delivery services can refill them even when they are not home. This system allows people to conveniently stock up without making multiple trips to the station themselves, a necessity in a city where not everyone owns a car.

Kerosene heaters offer powerful and cost-effective heating, but they do require regular refueling, which can be a minor inconvenience. Despite this, many Tokyo residents still prefer them over electric heaters, particularly in older buildings with poor insulation. However, using them in compact city apartments comes with the challenge of ensuring proper ventilation, as the heaters produce carbon monoxide and require fresh air circulation. In response, many households crack open a small window or door while in use, a common sight in Japanese winter.

Despite their quirks, kerosene heaters remain a practical solution for many in Japan, balancing affordability with warmth. The sight of red plastic containers waiting to be filled outside homes is just another reminder of how the country has adapted its heating methods to fit its unique living conditions, blending tradition with necessity.