Kobayashi Bunkudo 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 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 project to support regional efforts to preserve and create pleasant scents and their sources—nature and culture—by designating 100 locations with particularly excellent fragrance environments.



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 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 the whole town, and I wondered if there was a memorial service for some important person."
This is an anecdote.

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 all incense produced in Japan is made here, and since the Kaei era (about 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, Bunkudo hopes to continue helping preserve the rich fragrances, nature, culture, and lifestyle 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 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 the monks who finish their training on July 15th. With that merit, you may be able to save your mother."
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Since then, out of respect for ancestors, it has been customary to perform memorial services on July 15th following Ma Lin's example.
Today, Obon generally refers to the period from July 13th to 16th in many regions.
(However, in some areas, the "Old Obon" is observed around July 15th based on the lunar calendar.)

Typically, the Obon holiday period is from August 13th to 16th, called "Tsukure Obon" (delayed Obon).
During Obon, it is customary to perform "Bon Odori" (Bon dance), which is said to originate from Ma Lin dancing joyfully after his mother was saved.
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About Higan.



The day when day and night are of equal length is called the "Chūnichi" (midday), and occurs twice a year in spring and autumn.
Each mid-day corresponds to the "Spring Equinox" and "Autumn Equinox," and the three days before and after each make up a total of seven days called "Higan."
During Higan, families visit graves to remember their ancestors and the deceased.

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.

In contrast, our current world is called "Shigan" (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, which is the beginning of Higan.
Stories about offerings.



Some ask, "What is 'Shinmotsu' (offerings)?"
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
During the periods of Ochugen and Oseibo, you may see the word "Shinmotsu" on department store displays or hear clerks ask, "Is this for a gift?" when making a purchase.
So, what is the difference between "Gōtōhin" (gifts) 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 present," and while "Gōtōhin" does not specify the recipient, "Shinmotsu" is generally a gift for someone of higher status, a tribute item.
A person of higher status refers to someone like a boss or senior, but this also includes ancestors, the deceased, and 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 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 clay-like consistency, then compressed using a 玉締め機 (ball pressing machine) to create "Neridama" (kneaded balls).


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



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 that has 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 calming 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."
An indispensable ingredient in Eastern-style fragrance blending, 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 the status of Jinkōboku.
Clove (Chōji).

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



It is called "Chōji" 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 of 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.
A mellow aroma based on white sandalwood.
Blended by a master perfumer since 1850 (Kaei 3).

A pure domestic product from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
Due to the way incense is burned and air flow, the burning time may vary slightly.
Includes ingredients such as sandalwood powder, white sandalwood powder, fragrances, and dyes.
Content weight: approximately 210g, Smoke: Yes.

Incense length: approximately 13.5cm, Burning time: approximately 30 minutes, Product dimensions and weight: 105x40x152mm, 273g.
2023/03/06 17:54:30#bfbe1d65662e9b156a55e1ab8a4199dae86f37de
・線香の長さ:約13.5cm 燃焼時間:約30分 商品寸法・重量：105x40x152mm 273g
2023/03/06 17:54:30#bfbe1d65662e9b156a55e1ab8a4199dae86f37de