Oops, too much material!

I am uncovering more hibachi secrets than foreseen…

Tomorrow, the next article in my series on Japanese hibachi charcoal heaters goes live. It was meant to be the final installment, but there was simply too much fascinating material to fit into one piece — so I had to split it up.

Tomorrow’s article explores the five major styles of hibachi seen in vintage photos. With 23 images and a 1962 (Showa 37) documentary, it almost feels like an annotated catalog of hibachi visuals. You'll learn to identify different types with ease.

And, did you know that cats have a connection to hibachi? That will be revealed tomorrow as well.

The final article, coming next week, will dive into the ingenious techniques used to keep the hibachi fire burning.

Stay tuned!

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Old Photos of Japan is a community project aiming to a) conserve vintage images, b) create the largest specialized database of Japan’s visual heritage between the 1850s and 1960s, and c) share research. All for free.

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Two women wearing kimono, geta and traditional hairstyles bow to each other at the entrance gate to Genkyu-en Gardens (玄宮園) in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. Nobukuni Enami, 1890s, had colored glass slide, Duits Collection.