Founded in 1850 (Kaei 3), Ume Kundo Co., Ltd. is based on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture and sells 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 for 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 derived from 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?"—.
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 since the Kaei era (over 170 years ago), incense making has been deeply rooted in the lives of one in four residents of E, Awaji City, still involved today.
This "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, Ume Kundo hopes to continue helping preserve the rich fragrances, natural environments, cultures, and lifestyles 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."
It is said to originate from the Sanskrit "Uranban," meaning "to hang upside down."
This story is derived from the tale of Ma Lin, one of Buddha's disciples, who sought to save his deceased mother.

Once, Ma Lin learned that his mother was being punished by being hung upside down in the Gaki (hungry ghost) realm, and he asked Buddha how to save her. Buddha replied,
"Offer food to monks who finish their training on July 15th.
With the merit gained, you may be able to save your mother."
Since then, the custom of honoring ancestors on July 15th, following Ma Lin's example, has been established.
Today, Obon generally refers to the period from July 13th to 16th or August 13th to 16th, depending on the region.

(However, some areas observe the "Old Obon" around the lunar calendar's July 15th.)
The period from August 13th to 16th is called "Obon holiday" or "month-late Obon."
During Obon, traditional "Bon Odori" dances are performed, which are said to originate from Ma Lin dancing joyfully after his mother was saved.
Various aspects of Higan.



The day when daytime and nighttime 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 and honor their ancestors.

Temples also hold memorial services called "Higan-e" to honor ancestors.
In Buddhist terms, "Higan" refers to the world of enlightenment, free from delusion, known as the Pure Land.

The world we live in is called "Sokugan" (this shore).
The belief that the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha is in the west led to the custom of offering memorials on the day when the sun sets directly in the west, marking the beginning of Higan.
Stories about offerings.



"What is "Shinmotsu"?" sometimes asked.
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
During the times of Ochugen and Oseibo (mid-year and year-end gifts), 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"?
They are generally similar, but considering their meanings, there are slight differences.
The character "Shin" in "Shinmotsu" means "to give" or "to present," and "Gōtōhin" does not specify the recipient, whereas "Shinmotsu" is typically a gift for someone of higher status, a tribute or offering.
A person of higher status includes superiors or elders, such as bosses or seniors, but also encompasses ancestors, the deceased, and their bereaved families.
"Shinmotsu" is usually wrapped with a "Noshi" (a decorative paper with a ribbon), often printed with a "Mizuhiki" (decorative cord), called "Noshi-gami" (*officially called "Kakegami").

The type of "Noshi-gami" varies depending on the occasion, such as celebrations, condolences, or reciprocals.
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 pressed with a 玉締め機 (a pressing machine) to create "Neridama" (kneaded balls).


(2) Bonyuki (cutting into strips)
The "Neridama" is pressed through a 玉押し機 (a strip extruder) to form long, thin strands like somen noodles.



(3) Itamuki (placing on a board)
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.



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 accumulated and solidified over many years within the wood, buried in soil or water, producing a distinctive fragrance.
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 "Senda".
An essential ingredient in Eastern-style fragrances, 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 (Chōji) is the dried flower bud of the tree of the Myrtaceae family called "Chōjino ki."



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 the main production areas.
For those who cook, "Clove" may be more familiar 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 (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 may be more familiar to say "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.
A sweet incense that combines natural sandalwood, vanilla, and cinnamon, with a variety of changing fragrances.
Blended by a master perfumer with a tradition dating back to 1850 (Kaei 3).

Made entirely in Japan from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
Due to air flow and burning methods, the burning time may vary slightly.
Approximately 50g of incense per small box, 6 boxes included.
Main ingredients of the incense: Sandalwood powder, activated charcoal, vanilla, cinnamon, natural sandalwood essential oil, various Chinese herbal medicines, and dyes.
Contents: 6 boxes, with a mild amount of smoke, approximately 13.5cm in length, burning time about 25 minutes. Product dimensions and weight: 152x42x332mm, 568g.
2023/03/06 17:53:41#d50be583f9614161b3f703a8e8b37ab48ed5e733
・内容量：6箱 煙の量：煙ひかえめ 線香の長さ:約13.5cm 燃焼時間:約25分 商品寸法・重量：152x42x332mm 568g
2023/03/06 17:53:41#d50be583f9614161b3f703a8e8b37ab48ed5e733