Kobayashi Bunkodo 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 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 sources—nature and culture.



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 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 a tradition in E, Awaji City, with one in four residents involved in it, deeply rooted in their lives.
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, Bunkodo hopes to continue helping preserve the rich fragrances, nature, culture, 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 in the Gaki (hungry ghost) realm, hanging upside down, and 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, 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 "Gekure Obon."
During Obon, traditional "Bon Odori" dances are performed, which are said to originate from Ma Lin dancing joyfully after saving his mother.
Various aspects of Higan.



The day when daytime and nighttime are of equal length is called the "Chuu-nichi" (midday), occurring twice a year in spring and autumn.
The midpoints are "Vernal Equinox Day" and "Autumnal Equinox Day," and the seven days around these are called "Higan."
During Higan, families visit graves to remember the deceased and ancestors.

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

The world we live in is called "Shigan" (this shore).
The belief that the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha is in the west led to the start of Higan on the day when the sun sets due west.
Stories about offerings.



Some ask, "What is Shinmotsu?"
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
During the Obon or year-end gift 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 similar, but considering their meanings, there are slight differences.
The character "Shin" in "Shinmotsu" means "to give" or "to present," indicating a gift for someone of higher status, such as a superior or elder.
While "Gōtōhin" does not specify the recipient, "Shinmotsu" is used for gifts to superiors, such as bosses, seniors, ancestors, the deceased, or their bereaved families.
"Shinmotsu" is typically wrapped with a "Noshi" (a decorative paper with a ribbon), which may have a "Mizuhiki" (decorative cord) or "Noshi" (formal paper) attached.

The type of Noshi varies depending on the occasion, such as celebrations, condolences, or return gifts.
Manufacturing of incense sticks (by hand 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 compressed using a pressing machine to create "Neridama" (kneaded balls).


(2) Bonyuki (cutting into strips)
The "Neridama" is pressed through a mold to extrude long, thin strips resembling somen noodles.



(3) Itamuki (placing on boards)
The strips are laid out closely on boards called "Itamuki" boards.



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



Jinkō (Agarwood resin)
A resin that has accumulated and solidified in trees of the Thymelaeaceae family, growing 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 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.

Byakudan (Sandalwood)

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



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

Chōji is the dried flower bud of the tree of the Myrtaceae family, called "Chōjino ki."



It is named because its shape resembles a nail.
Its origin is said to be the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.
Today, Indonesia and East Africa are major producers.
For cooks, 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.
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 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.
• Incense based on natural agarwood with a deep fragrance.
Blended by a master of fragrance with a tradition since 1850 (Kaei 3).

Made from pure domestic products from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
Burning time may vary slightly depending on how the incense is burned and air flow.
Approximately 27g per bundle x 5 bundles (bundle thickness and weight may vary slightly depending on the manufacturing period)
Main ingredients of the incense: Sandalwood powder, agarwood powder, Chinese herbal medicine, dye
Contents: 5 bundles, smoky type, length of about 13.5cm, burning time about 30 minutes
Product dimensions and weight: 115x38x160mm, 205g
2023/03/06 18:13:29#bd9a606acdbb34c70544b02045c3c8c14db21e9e
・商品寸法・重量：115x38x160mm 205g
2023/03/06 18:13:29#bd9a606acdbb34c70544b02045c3c8c14db21e9e