Kaunkudo Co., Ltd. was founded in 1850 (Kaei 3) and is based on Awaji Island in 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 ended, when American occupation soldiers visited E in Awaji City (formerly Ichinomiya Town E), they reportedly asked passersby,
"Is there something happening in town today?"—.
In response, passersby asked, "Why do you ask if something is happening?"
Then, the soldier replied, "Because I smell incense all over the town, and I wondered if there was a memorial service for some distinguished person."
This is an anecdote.

In E, Awaji City, many incense factories line the streets, and the scent of incense drifts as a part of daily life, surprising visitors who can smell incense throughout the entire town.

Approximately 70% of all incense produced in Japan is made here, and incense making has continued since the Kaei era (about 170 years ago). Even now, one in four residents of E, Awaji City, is involved with incense, deeply rooted in their lives.
This "Incense Making in Awaji City" was recognized as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "Fragrance Landscape 100 Selections" in 2001.

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



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 that merit, you may be able to save your mother."
Since then, out of respect for ancestors, it is customary to perform memorial services on July 15th, following Maudgalyayana's example.
Today, Obon generally refers to the period from July 13th to 16th or August 13th to 16th, depending on the region.

(However, in some areas, the "Old Obon" is observed around the lunar calendar's July 15th.)
The period from August 13th to 16th is called "Obon holiday," known as "month-lagging Obon."
During Obon, it is customary to perform Bon dances, which are said to originate from Maudgalyayana dancing joyfully after saving his mother.
Various aspects of Higan.



The day when day and night are of equal length is called the "midday" and occurs twice a year, in spring and autumn.
The midpoints are "Vernal Equinox Day" and "Autumnal Equinox Day," and the seven days around each are called "Higan."
During Higan, families visit graves to remember their ancestors.

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

Our current world is called "Sigan" (this shore).
The belief that the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha is located in the west led to the custom of offering memorial services on the day when the sun sets directly in the west, marking the beginning of Higan.
Stories about offerings.



Some ask, "What is Shinmotsu?"
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
During the Obon and year-end gift seasons, you often 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 their meanings, there are slight differences.
The character "Shin" in "Shinmotsu" means "to give or 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 includes superiors or seniors, and also ancestors, the deceased, or their bereaved families.
"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 reciprocals.
Incense manufacturing (handmade craftsmen)
(1) Fragrance blending and powder kneading



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


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



(3) Itamuki (placing on boards)
The strands are laid out closely on boards called "Banita" without gaps.



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



Agarwood (Jinkō)
Resin 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."
Resin that has formed over many years within the wood, buried in soil or water, solidifies and emits a characteristic fragrance, becoming a valuable incense wood.
Used as a sedative and stomachic medicine.

Sandalwood (Byakudan)

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



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

Clove is the dried flower bud of the tree Cinnamomum verum, a member of the Lauraceae family.



Its shape resembles a nail, hence the name "Chōji."
It is believed to originate from the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.
Today, Indonesia and East Africa are major producers.
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 has a strong sweet aroma and a spicy, tingling taste on the tongue.
Cinnamon (Keihi)
Cinnamon is made from the dried bark of trees such as Cinnamomum verum, a member of the Lauraceae family, believed to originate from southern China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.



It may be more familiar to call it "cinnamon" rather than "Keihi."
The fresh scent of cinnamon is similar to that of the Chinese herb Kudzu root (Kakkonto).

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.
Miniature incense sticks with low smoke and deodorizing properties.

Super fine fragrance, colorless (black), with 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, wood vinegar solution, plant extracts deodorizer, minerals, and fragrance (sandalwood).
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 15:20:08#4d166691307d08915b0ee709ea2d8dfbce1ecc4a
・単品寸法・重量：82x29x120mm 96g
2023/03/06 15:20:08#4d166691307d08915b0ee709ea2d8dfbce1ecc4a