Kaorundoh Co., Ltd. was founded in 1850 and sells incense and joss sticks based in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.

Incense sticks are closely related to Japanese culture, climate, and national character.
We offer market proposals with the desire to value customer feedback and culture, and to be of service.
Furthermore, in order to contribute to the development of fragrance culture, we are challenging technological innovation and developing products that focus on naturalness, health, and convenience while utilizing traditional techniques.

The charming townscape of Ei, selected as one of the "100 Best Fragrant Landscapes" by the Ministry of the Environment.
"100 Best Fragrant Landscapes" is a designation of 100 locations that are particularly excellent as fragrant environments, as part of supporting regional initiatives to preserve and create good fragrances and the natural and cultural environments that are their source.



Over 170 years since incense stick making began on Awaji Island


"Incense Stick Making in Awaji City" and "100 Best Fragrant Landscapes"
After the end of World War II, when American occupying forces soldiers visited Awaji City Ei (formerly Ei, Ichinomiya Town), they reportedly asked passersby:
"Is something happening in town today?"
To this, a passerby replied, "Why do you ask if something is happening?"
The soldier then said, "Well, the scent of incense is coming from all over town, so I wondered if there was a funeral for someone important.
" There is an anecdote that he replied.

In Awaji City Ei, many incense factories line the streets, and the scent of incense drifts as a part of daily life. Visitors to the town are always surprised by the scent of incense emanating from the entire town.

Approximately 70% of the total incense production in Japan, and incense stick making, which has continued for over 170 years since the Kaei era, still involves one in four residents of Awaji City Ei, and is deeply rooted in the lives of the residents.
This "Incense Stick Making in Awaji City" was certified as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "100 Best Fragrant Landscapes" in 2001.

We, Kaorundoh, as one of the oldest manufacturers that started incense stick making in Awaji City Ei, hope to continue to assist in preserving the rich fragrance and the nature, culture, and life that are its source for the future.



A Gaze Towards the Tradition and Future of Fragrance


All About Obon
Obon is originally an abbreviation, and its formal name is "Urabon-e."
It is said to be derived from the Sanskrit word "Ullambana," meaning "hanging upside down."
This originates from the story of one of Buddha's disciples, Mokuren Sonja, saving his deceased mother.

One day, Mokuren Sonja learned that his deceased mother was being tormented while hanging upside down in a hell called the realm of hungry ghosts, and asked Buddha how he could save her. Buddha replied:
"Offer food to the monks who have completed their training on July 15th.
Through the merit of that, you will be able to save your mother.
"
Since then, it is said that on July 15th, people began to offer prayers for their ancestors, following the example of Mokuren Sonja, out of respect for them.

Currently, Obon often refers to the period from the 13th to the 16th of July or August.
(However, in some regions, the "Old Obon" is observed around the 15th of July according to the lunar calendar.) Generally, the period from August 13th to 16th is called Obon holidays, and this is referred to as "Tsuki Okure Bon" (delayed moon Obon).
Also, it is customary to have "Bon Odori" (Obon dances) during Obon, which is said to originate from Mokuren Sonja dancing all night in joy that his mother was saved.
All About Ohigan



The days when the length of day and night are equal are called the equinoxes, and there are two such days a year, in spring and autumn.
The vernal equinox and autumnal equinox are the central days, and the three days before and after each, totaling seven days, are called Higan.
During Higan, families visit graves to remember the deceased and their ancestors.

Also, at various temples, memorial services called "Higan-e" are held to offer prayers for ancestors.
Originally, "Higan" is a Buddhist term referring to the world of enlightenment without delusion, that is, the Pure Land.

Incidentally, the world we live in is expressed as "Shigan" (this shore).
The belief that the Pure Land of Amida Buddha is in the west is said to be the origin of Higan, with the day of prayer being the day the sun sets exactly in the west.
Talk about Gifts



We are sometimes asked, "What is a 'shinmotsu' (gift)?"
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or presents given to others.
During the Ochuugen and Oseibo seasons, you may often see the word "shinmotsu" in department stores, or perhaps you have been asked by a store clerk when making a purchase, "Is this for a gift?"
So, what is the difference between "zoutouhin" (gift items) and "shinmotsu"?
Simply put, they are the same, but when considering the nuances of the words, there is a slight difference between "zoutouhin" and "shinmotsu."
The character "進" (shin) in "shinmotsu" means "to offer" or "to present," and while "zoutouhin" can be given to anyone without choosing the recipient, "shinmotsu" is considered a gift or tribute to a superior.
Superiors refer to those who are older or in a higher position than oneself, such as bosses or seniors, but this also includes ancestors, the deceased, and their bereaved families.
"Shinmotsu" are generally accompanied by a "noshi paper" (officially called "kakegami") with mizuhiki (decorative cords) and noshi (a symbol of good fortune) printed on it, attached to the top or front.

The type of "noshi paper" changes depending on the occasion, such as celebrations, condolences, or returns for such occasions.
Incense Stick Manufacturing (Handicraft Artisans)
(1) Fragrance Blending and Kneading



Various raw materials are placed in a kneading machine, mixed with water or hot water, and kneaded like clay. They are then compressed using a roller press to create "neridama" (kneaded balls).


(2) Bon kiri (Sheet Cutting)
The "neridama" are fed into a roller press and extruded into long, thin strands like somen noodles.



(3) Itatsuki (Arranging on Trays)
They are arranged closely together on a tray called a bonita.



(4) Drying
After being placed in a drying room, they are air-dried.



Jinko (Agarwood)
This is the resin that has accumulated and solidified from the Aquilaria trees that grow in India and Southeast Asia, and it is considered a high-grade wood among fragrant woods.



It is also called Jinko wood because its accumulated resin has a specific gravity large enough to sink in water.
The resin, formed in the wood over many years, becomes buried in soil or water, solidifies, and accumulates, becoming a fragrant wood that emits a unique aroma.
Sandalwood (Byakudan)

An evergreen tree of the Santalaceae family distributed from the Malay Archipelago to India.



The wood itself emits a sweet fragrance, and it is also called Sendan.
It is an indispensable ingredient in Oriental perfumery and is a precious fragrant wood also used for artistic crafts such as Buddhist statues.
Due to the effects of natural disasters and other factors, the quantity of sandalwood has decreased, and with the increase in demand, it is becoming a precious material, rivaling agarwood.
Clove (Chōji)

Clove (Chōji) is the dried flower buds of the clove tree, a plant of the Myrtaceae family.



It was named Chōji because its shape resembles a nail.
Its origin is said to be the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia.
Currently, Indonesia and East Africa are the main production areas.
For those who cook, the name "clove" may be more familiar than "chōji."
It is often used as a spice in meat dishes, curries, soups, and sauces.

It is characterized by its strong sweet aroma and a pungent, stimulating taste.
Cassia Bark (Keihi)
Cassia bark (Keihi) is the dried bark of Cinnamomum aromaticum (Tonkin cinnamon) and other related plants of the Lauraceae family, and its origin is said to be southern China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.



You may be more familiar with the name "cinnamon" than "Keihi."
The aroma of Keihi is a refreshing scent, like that of the Kampo medicine Kakkonto.

It pairs well with Western confectionery such as cakes, bread, and cookies, as well as black tea, and is widely enjoyed in items like cinnamon rolls, cinnamon toast, and cinnamon sticks.
・Incense sticks formulated with green tea natural essential oil and catechins, where a fragrance master has expressed the refreshing scent of green tea based on natural fragrances.
Shrink-wrapped.

Recommended for those concerned about indoor odors or the lingering scent of incense.
Purely domestic product from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
The burning time may vary slightly depending on how the incense stick is burned and the airflow.
・Main raw materials of incense sticks: Activated charcoal, Tabu powder, Kishu Binchotan charcoal vinegar, plant-derived deodorizer, mineral substances, catechin, fragrance (natural green tea oil, natural matcha oil), dye
・Contents: Approx. 100g Smoke level: Low smoke Incense stick length: Approx. 13.5cm Burning time: Approx. 25 minutes Product dimensions/weight: 89x32x150mm 165g

2023/03/06 19:28:34#dafac08c185a4b664f9f613795d572bf25cfdb2a
・内容量：約100ｇ 煙の量：煙少 線香の長さ:約13.5cm 燃焼時間:約25分 商品寸法・重量：89x32x150mm165g
2023/03/06 19:28:34#dafac08c185a4b664f9f613795d572bf25cfdb2a