A gaze that looks toward the tradition and future of fragrance

Various aspects of Obon. Obon is originally an abbreviation, and the full name is "Urabon-e."
It is said to originate from the Sanskrit word "Uranban" (meaning to hang upside down).
This story is derived from Miroku-sonja, one of the Buddha's disciples, who saved his deceased mother.
Once, Miroku-sonja learned that his deceased mother was being hung upside down and blamed in hell called Gaki-do, and when he asked Buddha how he could save his mother, Buddha replied,
"Offer food to monks who complete their training on July 15.
With that merit, you may be able to save your mother.
" and.
Since then, following Miroku-sonja's example, the feeling of respecting ancestors has led to offering memorial services on July 15.
Currently, when we say Obon, it often refers to the period from July 13 to 16 or August 13 to 16.
(However, in some regions, "Kyūbon" is held around July 15 according to the old lunar calendar.
) Generally, the Obon holiday period is from August 13 to 16, called "Tsukiyokure Bon."
Also, it is customary to perform "Bon Odori" during Obon, which is said to originate from Miroku-sonja dancing joyfully after his mother was saved.


Various aspects of Higan: The day when daytime and nighttime are of equal length occurs twice a year, in spring and autumn.
Each of these days is called "Shunbun no Hi" (Spring Equinox Day) and "Shūbun no Hi" (Autumn Equinox Day), and the three days before and after each make up a total of 7 days called "Higan."
During Higan, each household visits graves to remember the deceased and ancestors.
Additionally, temples hold memorial services called "Higan-e" to honor ancestors.
Originally, "Higan" is a Buddhist term referring to the world of enlightenment free from confusion, that is, the Pure Land.
By the way, our current world is expressed as "Shigan."
The belief that the Pure Land where Amida Nyorai resides is located in the west led to the beginning of Higan, with the day when the sun sets due west, the middle day of the period.


Regarding the story of offerings: "What is Shinmotsu?" is sometimes asked.
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
During the times of Ochūgen and Oseibo, you may often see the word "Shinmotsu" in department stores, or experience being asked by store clerks, "Is this for Shinmotsu?" when making a purchase.
So, what is the difference between "Gōtōhin" (gift items) 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 considered a gift for superiors or offerings.
Superiors refer to people in higher positions such as bosses or seniors, but this also includes ancestors, the deceased, and their bereaved families.
Generally, "Shinmotsu" is wrapped with a "Noshi" paper, which has printed on it a decorative element called "Noshi" (officially called "Kakegami"), with a Mizuhiki or Noshi attached on the top or front.
The type of Noshi paper varies depending on whether it is for celebration, condolence, or return gift.
The types of Noshi paper change accordingly for celebrations, condolences, or reciprocals.


Manufacturing of incense (by handmade artisans)

(1) Blending and grinding: Raw materials are placed into a grinding machine, mixed with water or hot water to form a dough-like consistency, then compressed using a pressing machine to create "Neridama" (kneaded balls).


(2) Cutting into盆 (bowl) shape: The "Neridama" is pressed through a mold to extrude long, thin strips resembling somen noodles.


(3) Placing on a板 (board): The strips are arranged closely together on a板 called "Ban".


(4) Drying: The strips are dried in a drying chamber or naturally dried.


Jinkō (Agarwood)
Resin that has accumulated in trees of the Thymelaeaceae family, growing in India and Southeast Asia.
Because it is dense and sinks in water, it is also called "Jinkōboku" (Agarwood wood).
Resin produced over many years within the wood becomes buried in soil or water, solidifies, and emits a distinctive fragrance, becoming a fragrant wood called "Jinkō."
Used as a calming and stomachic medicine.


Byakudan (Sandalwood)
An evergreen tree of the Santalaceae family distributed from the Maluku Islands to India.
The wood itself emits a sweet fragrance, also called "Sendan."
Indispensable in oriental perfumery and also used as a material for Buddhist statues and other arts and crafts, making it a precious fragrant wood.
The quantity of sandalwood has decreased due to natural disasters and other factors, and with increasing demand, it is becoming a valuable material approaching the status of agarwood.


Chōji (Clove)
Chōji (Clove) is the dried flower bud of the tree of the Myrtaceae family called "Chōjino ki."
It is called "Chōji" because its shape resembles a nail.
Its native origin is said to be the Molucca Islands in Indonesia.
Currently, 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.


Keihi (Cinnamon)
Keihi (Cinnamon) is made from the dried bark of trees such as Cinnamomum verum (true cinnamon) of the Lauraceae family, and other related plants. Its native origins are said to be southern China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
It might be more familiar to call it "Cinnamon" rather than "Keihi."
The fresh, refreshing aroma of Chinese herbal medicine like Kakkonto (Kakkonto-tō) is characteristic of cinnamon.
It pairs well with cakes, bread, cookies, and black tea, and is widely used in cinnamon rolls, cinnamon toast, and cinnamon sticks.

A pure and noble scent of chrysanthemum flowers.
Uncolored (black).
Since its founding in 1850 (Kaei 3), the aroma craftsman who inherits the tradition has been responsible for blending.
A pure domestic product from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
The method of burning incense and airflow can cause slight variations in burning time.

Main raw materials for incense: activated charcoal, Tsubaki powder, and fragrance.
Contents: approximately 100g, Smoke amount: low, Length of incense: about 13.5cm, Burning time: about 25 minutes, Product dimensions and weight: 80x30x158mm, 147g.
2023/03/10 22:12:31#efe1642f0f7aaa770d006908413561ba7ace8737