株式会社梅薫堂 was founded in 1850 (Kaei 3), and based in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, sells incense and fragrant sticks.

Incense sticks are closely related to Japanese culture, climate, and national character.
We value customer feedback and culture, and with the desire to be helpful, we make market proposals.
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 Eii, selected for the Ministry of the Environment's "100 Selected Fragrance Landscapes."
"100 Selected Fragrance Landscapes" is a designation of 100 locations with excellent fragrance environments, supporting regional efforts to preserve and create pleasant natural and cultural sources of fragrance.



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


"Incense making in Awaji City" and "100 Selected Fragrance Landscapes."
After World War II ended, when American occupation soldiers visited Eii in Awaji City (formerly Ichinomiya Town Eii), they reportedly asked passersby:
"Is something happening in town today?"
Passersby responded, "Why do you ask if something is happening?"
Then, the soldier said, "No, I smell incense all over town, so I thought there might be a memorial service for some important person."
There is an episode that says so.

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

About 70% of the national incense production and the incense making tradition that has continued since the Kaei era (over 170 years ago) are still deeply rooted in the lives of one in four residents of Eii, Awaji City.
Such "incense making in Awaji City" was certified as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "100 Selected Fragrance Landscapes" in 2001.

We, Bikun Hojun, as one of the oldest manufacturers of incense in Eii, Awaji City, hope to continue helping to preserve rich fragrances, their natural and cultural sources, and daily life for the future.



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


Various aspects of the Obon festival.
Obon is originally an abbreviation; the full name is "Urabon-e."
It is said to originate from the Sanskrit word "Uranban," meaning "to hang upside down."
This is derived from a story about 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 Gaki (hungry ghost) realm, and he asked Buddha how to save her. Buddha replied:
"Offer food to monks who finish their training on July 15."
"With the merit of that, you may be able to save your mother."
"With the merit of that, you may be able to save your mother."
Today, Obon generally refers to the period from July 13 to 16 or August 13 to 16.

(However, in some regions, the "Old Obon" is held around July 15 according to the lunar calendar.)
Generally, the Obon holiday is from August 13 to 16, called "Tsukure Obon."
Also, it is customary to hold "Bon Odori" during Obon, which is said to originate from Maudgalyayana dancing joyfully after saving his mother.
Various aspects of Higan.



Various aspects of the Higan festival.
During Higan, the day and night are of equal length, and it occurs twice a year in spring and autumn.
During Higan, families visit graves and remember the deceased and ancestors.

At temples, memorial services called "Higan-e" are held to honor ancestors.
Originally, "Higan" is a Buddhist term referring to the world of enlightenment free from delusion, that is, the Pure Land.

In contrast, our current world is called "Shigan."
In Buddhist terminology, "Higan" refers to the world of enlightenment, free from delusion, known as the Pure Land.
Stories about gift-giving.



People sometimes ask, "What is 'Shinmotsu'?"
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts presented to others.
So, what is the difference between "Gōtōhin" (gift items) and "Shinmotsu"?
So, what is the difference between "Gōtōhin" (gift items) and "Shinmotsu"?
The character "Shin" in "Shinmotsu" means "to give" or "to present," and while "Gōtōhin" does not specify the recipient, "Shinmotsu" is considered a gift for a superior or an offering.
"Superior" refers to someone higher in age or status, such as a boss or senior, but it also includes ancestors, the deceased, and their bereaved families.
"Shinmotsu" generally involves a "Noshi" (decorative paper) with printed "Mizuhiki" (decorative cord) or "Noshi" (a ceremonial paper strip), called "Noshi-gami" (*officially called "Kakegami").

This is attached to the top or front of the gift.
"Noshi-gami" (officially called "Kakegami").
Manufacturing of incense sticks (by handcraft artisans).



(1) Fragrance blending and powder kneading.


(1) Fragrance blending and powder kneading.
(2) Bonyuki (cutting into sections).



(2) Cutting into sections called "Bonyuki."
(3) Itamuki (placing on a board).



These are laid out closely on a flat board called "Banita."
(4) Drying.



After being placed in a drying room, they are naturally dried.
Agarwood (Jinkō).



Agarwood (Jinkō).
Because it has a high specific gravity and sinks in water, it is also called "Jinkōboku" (agarwood).
Because it has a large specific gravity and sinks in water, it is also called "Jinkōboku" (agarwood).

Sandalwood (Byakudan).



Sandalwood (Byakudan).
The wood itself emits a sweet fragrance, also called "Sendan."
The wood itself emits a sweet fragrance and is also called "Sendan."
Due to natural disasters and increased demand, sandalwood has become increasingly scarce and is becoming a valuable material comparable to agarwood.

Clove (Chōji).



Clove (Chōji).
The name "Chōji" comes from its shape resembling a nail.
The original habitat is said to be the Moluccas in Indonesia.
Currently, Indonesia and East Africa are major production areas.
For those who cook, "Chōji" may be more familiar as "Clove."

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).
It may be more familiar to call it "Cinnamon" rather than "Keihi."

The fresh, refreshing scent of Chinese herbal medicine "Kakkonto" is characteristic of cinnamon.
The fresh, invigorating scent of Chinese herbal medicine "Kakkonto" is characteristic of cinnamon.
・Bikun Hojun Bikun Hojun, Japanese-made, Awaji Island, Incense, Aromatherapy, Practical use, Buddhist altar, Obon, Higan, Fragrance, Fragrant wood, Natural ingredients.

・Main ingredients of incense: Sandalwood powder, sandalwood oil, dye.
・Main ingredients of incense: Sandalwood powder, sandalwood oil, dye.
Contents: approximately 100g; Smoke: smoky; Length of incense: about 13.5cm; Burning time: about 25 minutes; Product dimensions and weight: 89x32x150mm, 160g.
2023/03/06 19:28:29#63e67ca6ee01de3424b14d00aeda662db17839d6