Kaunkudo Co., Ltd. was founded in 1850 (Kaei 3) and is based on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, selling incense and incense sticks.

Incense sticks are closely related to Japanese culture, climate, and national character.
We value customer feedback and culture, and we aim to be helpful by proposing products to the market.
Furthermore, we challenge technological innovation to contribute to the development of fragrance culture, utilizing traditional techniques while developing products that focus on natural ingredients, health, and convenience.

The townscape of E, selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "Fragrance Landscape 100 Selections."
The "Fragrance Landscape 100 Selections" is a list of 100 locations designated as excellent fragrance environments, supporting regional efforts to preserve and create pleasant scents and their natural and cultural sources.



Incense making has been ongoing in Awaji Island for over 170 years.


"Incense making in Awaji City" and "Fragrance Landscape 100 Selections".
After World War II, when American occupation soldiers visited E (formerly Ichinomiya Town E) in Awaji City, they reportedly asked passersby, "Is there something happening in town today?".
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In response, passersby asked, "Why do you ask if something is happening?".
Then, the soldier replied, "No, I smell incense from all over the town, and I wondered if there was a memorial service for some distinguished person."
There is an episode that says so.

In E, Awaji City, many incense factories line up, and the scent of incense drifts as part of daily life, surprising visitors who feel the entire town is filled with the aroma of incense.

Approximately 70% of the national production of incense is from Awaji City, and incense making has continued since the Kaei era (about 170 years ago). Even now, one in four residents of E is involved with incense, deeply rooted in their lives.
Such "Incense making in Awaji City" was recognized in 2001 by the Ministry of the Environment as part of the "Fragrance Landscape 100 Selections."

As one of the oldest manufacturers that started incense making in E, Awaji City, Kaunkudo hopes to continue helping preserve rich fragrances and their natural, cultural, and daily sources for the future.



A gaze that looks at the tradition and future of fragrance.


Various aspects of Obon.
Obon is originally an abbreviation; the full name is "Urabon-e" (Ullambana).
It is said to originate from the Sanskrit "Uranban" (meaning to hang upside down).
This story is derived from the tale of Maudgalyayana, one of Buddha's disciples, who sought to save his deceased mother.

Once, Maudgalyayana learned that his mother was being punished and hung upside down in the realm of hungry ghosts, and he asked Buddha how to save her. Buddha replied, "Offer food to monks who finish their training on July 15th. With the merit, you may be able to save your mother."
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Since then, out of respect for ancestors, it is said that people have been offering memorial services on July 15th following Maudgalyayana's example.
Currently, Obon generally refers to the period from July 13th to 16th or August 13th to 16th.
(However, in some regions, the "Old Obon" is held around July 15th according to the lunar calendar.)

Generally, the Obon holiday period is from August 13th to 16th, called "month-lagged Obon."
Furthermore, it is customary to perform "Bon Odori" during Obon, which is said to originate from Maudgalyayana dancing joyfully after saving his mother.
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About Higan.



The day when daytime and nighttime are of equal length is called the "Chuu-nichi" (midday), and it occurs twice a year in spring and autumn.
Each of these days is called "Spring Equinox Day" and "Autumn Equinox Day," and the three days before and after each make up a total of seven days called "Higan."
During Higan, families visit graves to remember the deceased and ancestors.

Temples also hold memorial services called "Higan-e" to honor ancestors.
Originally, "Higan" refers to the world of enlightenment, free from confusion, called the Pure Land in Buddhism.

In contrast, our current world is called "Shigan" (this shore).
The Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, believed to be in the west, is the reason why the day of the equinox, when the sun sets directly in the west, became the day for memorial services, marking the beginning of Higan.
About offerings.



Sometimes people ask, "What is Shinmotsu?"
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
During the Obon or year-end and New Year seasons, you may see the word "Shinmotsu" on department store displays or hear clerks ask, "Is this for a gift?" when purchasing.
So, what is the difference between "Gōtōhin" (gift items) and "Shinmotsu"?
In simple terms, they are the same, but considering the nuance of the words, there is a slight difference.
The character "Shin" in "Shinmotsu" means "to give" or "to present," and while "Gōtōhin" does not specify the recipient, "Shinmotsu" is generally a gift for someone of higher status, such as an offering.
A person of higher status refers to someone like a boss or senior, but it also includes ancestors, the deceased, and their bereaved family.
"Shinmotsu" typically involves a decorative paper called "Noshi" (officially "Kakegami"), which has a printed or attached "Noshi" (a ceremonial wrapping).

The type of "Noshi" varies depending on the occasion, such as celebrations, condolences, or return gifts.
Incense manufacturing (handcrafted artisans).
(1) Fragrance blending and powder kneading.



Various raw materials are placed into a kneading machine, mixed with water or hot water to form a dough-like consistency, then compressed using a 玉締め機 (a pressing machine) to create "Neridama" (kneaded balls).


(2) Bonyuki (cutting into pieces).
The "Neridama" is pressed through a 玉押し機 (a shaping machine) to extrude long, thin strands resembling somen noodles.



(3) Ita-tsuki (plate pressing).
The strands are laid out closely on a flat board called "Banita" without gaps.



(4) Drying.
After being placed in a drying chamber, they are naturally dried.



Sandalwood (Jinkō).
A resin deposited and solidified from trees of the Thymelaeaceae family that grow in India and Southeast Asia, considered the highest quality among fragrant woods.



Because it is dense and sinks in water, it is also called "Jinkōboku" (sandalwood).
Resin formed over many years within the wood, buried in soil or water, solidifies and emits a distinctive fragrance, becoming a precious fragrant wood.
Used as a sedative and stomachic medicine.

White sandalwood (Byakudan).

An evergreen tree of the Myrtaceae family distributed from the Maluku Islands to India.



The wood itself emits a sweet fragrance, also called "Sendan."
Indispensable in oriental-style fragrance blending, it is also used as a material for Buddhist statues and other arts and crafts, making it a valuable fragrant wood.
Due to natural disasters and increased demand, the quantity of white sandalwood has decreased, and it is becoming a valuable material approaching that of agarwood.
Clove (Chōji).

Clove (Chōji) is the dried flower bud of the tree of the Myrtaceae family called "Chōjino ki."



It is named because of its nail-like shape.
Its original habitat is said to be the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.
Today, Indonesia and East Africa are the main production areas.
For those who cook, it might be more familiar to call it "clove" rather than "Chōji."
It is often used as a spice in meat dishes, curry, soups, and sauces.

It features a strong sweet aroma and a spicy, tingling taste on the tongue.
Cinnamon (Keihi).
Cinnamon (Keihi) is made from the dried bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus, such as Cinnamomum cassia, originating from southern China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.



It might be more familiar to call it "cinnamon" rather than "Keihi."
The aroma of cinnamon, similar to that of the Chinese herbal medicine "Kakkonto," is characteristic.

It pairs well with cakes, bread, cookies, and black tea, and is widely used in cinnamon rolls, cinnamon toast, and cinnamon sticks.
Recommended for those living with pets.
Mini-sized incense sticks with low smoke and deodorizing properties.

Contains ultra-fine fragrance, no artificial coloring (black), and natural fragrances.
Made entirely in Japan from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
Burning time may vary slightly depending on how the incense is burned and air flow.
Contains activated charcoal, Tsubaki powder, Kishu Binchotan charcoal vinegar, plant extracts deodorizer, minerals, and herbal essential oils.
Net weight: approximately 60g, Smoke amount: light, Incense length: about 13.5cm, Burning time: about 25 minutes.

Dimensions and weight of single item: 82x29x120mm, 96g.
2023/03/06 17:55:42#d09d44199c26f2120f3d21338ed9431a0111482f
・単品寸法・重量：82x29x120mm 96g
2023/03/06 17:55:42#d09d44199c26f2120f3d21338ed9431a0111482f