Taken for granted in much of the West, the pleasure of basking in the glow of a homemade fire is all but unknown in much of Asia, where limited space and resources make it far from customary for homes to sport an open hearth. Thankfully, technology is now equal to the task of making 'faux fire' almost as real as feeling the burn.
Sapporo-based DC Dimplex Japan deserves some of the credit for bringing the cozier aspects of Western hearth-style heaters into the country. The company is the Japan affiliate of its eponymous UK parent, which has been manufacturing a range of energy saving multi-fuel stoves and nostalgic electric heating systems since 1973.
Some of the portable units mimic old-style wood-fired stoves that were prevalent in Europe decades ago. Its new line of portable denki danro (electric fireplaces) measure approximately 490mm to 640mm across by about 500mm in height, and run on standard wall electricity (100v/50-60Hz). The 1,000-1,200 watt systems are powerful enough to heat a standard Japanese living rooms while providing the same kind of homey glow as a real wood-burning fireplace.
"Our company headquarters are in Hokkaido, where the winters are long and particularly cold, so I suppose the climate may lend a bit of expertise to the art of staying warm," says company sales chief Akihiro Fukuda at a recent Tokyo trade fair. "Electric heaters are not uncommon in almost any Japanese home. But these days, consumers are as much concerned about style as they are about function, and Western-style heaters, complete with simulated flames and smoke, make an impressive addition to the living room."
Denki danro employ the firm's patented Opti-myst and Opti-flame technology to create full 3-dimensional effects which simulate a real fire. Ultrasound and fine water mist recreate rising smoke through the logs or coals, while dynamic speakers add the crackle and pop of the burning embers.
The result is a highly realistic, look, feel, and sound that compelled many passersby at the expo to take a closer look at the company's exhibits.
The electric fires also sport energy saving benefits. Optiflame and Opti-myst equipped units can be used independently of the heating element for a purely visual effect. Room-sensing thermostats keep a constant watch on ambient temperatures to safeguard against overheating. The super low-cost mini LED bulbs employed in the units have an expected lifespan of about 100,000 hours or almost 55 years.
The parent's product line has won a slew of prestigious awards over the last 20 years for energy efficiency and innovation from the likes of Hearth and Home, National Heat Pump, and others.
DC Dimplex Japan is focusing on two cast-iron style stove models for Japan, one in white and another in black gloss enamel-style finish. They have variable flame and smoke intensity control, remote controls, and doors that open for added authenticity. Sales kicked off in the fall of 2016.
"The denki danro fit the bill terms of a low carbon footprint, low-cost heating unit that can also be decorative," says Mr. Fukuda. If they can sell well in Europe and the United States, then we feel confident that it they might do well in Japan, too."
