Good points, Nyororin. "Fan Death" popped in my head (heck, maybe she has Korean relatives), but it is likely the money issues (though, health wise I always feel dried out after sleeping in a room with the AC on all night, no matter what temp.)

Well, when I was living in Phuket, my wife always turned it onto 28, as well. Probably should have mentioned that before. Yet it was not a superstition\retardation, it was simply a comfortable temperature. But I usually turned it onto 15 (lowest temp), coz it reminded me of home. Freeze my wifes arse off but.

Wow, tons of replies.

@sarasi- So that's where the whole 28 degree thing originates from in Japan. I was really curious because 28 seems like an odd number to stick your AC. Plus it doesn't seem like at least for me, very comfortable, but it's a different culture and attitude. I'm suprised because I guess I couldn't imagine anyone like telling people to not use their AC and people actually doing it. I don't think people would cooperate too much in the US for something like this.

I will definitely respect her wishes with the AC. I do understand that electricity is expensive and considering the fact that she's hosting me which already costs money, I don't think it would be kind of me to drive up her utility costs any more that I have too. I will grin and bear it. And start sleeping with the fan on and no blankets.

@Tenchu- The lowest I ever set it at was 23 which was comfortable for sleeping. If I used it during the day it was at either 24-25.

I've never heard of fan death. If anything I'm slightly worried about the cord overheating and causing a fire since the house and the fan are a but old. And I know there are no smoke alarms in the house. I'm from Seattle where people freak out if it hits 85 degrees Fahrenheit. I've never lived in a such a humid or hot climate before.


@Nyororin- I think it's really funny that you mentioned Hawaii cause my host mom took a one week trip to Hawaii in April and she's going to Switzerland in August. She travels a lot. She is older and does reuse plastic wrap. lol.

Sounds like you have a frugal host mom. If you want her to have good memories of your stay, please do what she asks. It's her home. Take a wet washcloth with you to bed and put it on your forehead. That might help you sleep.

I found that the fan has worked well so far but if it gets hotter than I will take your advice MMM and use a wet towel. I do want my host mom to think of me fondly after I leave.

Hm, must be the electricity thing. Out of curiosity, what part of Japan are you living in?I was about to suggest this. My mother told me that she did this when she was pregnant with me. That particular NY summer, it was hotter than usual, so at night, she'd wet a towel and drape it over her body to help her sleep at night. She said it did keep her pretty cool.

I have found in Japan in urban areas the temperature really doesn't cool at night in summer, but that little bit of air movement might help, so ask if opening the window is an option.

Probably not, as the humidity might lead to mildew, but worth asking.

Speaking of wet towels...
I know this will probably sound quite odd but here goes. :D

Try wetting the soles of your feet (with towel) when you get into bed, and have the fan hit them. It does wonders for making your body feel cooler than it actually is.

Haha this is very, very true..I've noticed it when i've been out camping before.

Are you serious?

This is Japan; I live in south Thailand with no air conditioner, only a fan. It isn't that bad. Harden up, people.