Kobayashi Bunkudo 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 focusing on natural, healthy, and convenient products.

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 natural and cultural sources of fragrance.



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 from 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 permeates 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 as part of the Ministry of the Environment's "Fragrance Landscape 100 Selections" in 2001.

As one of the oldest manufacturers of incense in E, Awaji City, Bunkudo hopes to continue helping preserve the rich fragrances, natural sources, 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 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 15th.
With that merit, you may be able to save your mother."
Since then, the custom of honoring ancestors on July 15th, following Maudgalyayana, 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," known as "month-lagged Obon."
During Obon, traditional "Bon Odori" dances are performed, which are said to originate from Maudgalyayana dancing joyfully after saving his mother.
Various aspects of Higan.



The day when day and night 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 three days before and after each make up a total of seven days called "Higan."
During Higan, families visit graves to remember 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.

Our current world is called "Sigan" (this shore).
The Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, believed to be located in the west, is the reason why the day of the equinox, when the sun sets in the west, became a day of memorial service.
Stories about offerings.



What is "Shinmotsu" (offerings)?
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
During the Obon period, 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 "gift" and "Shinmotsu"?
In simple terms, they are the same, but considering the nuance of the words, there are differences.
The character "Shin" in "Shinmotsu" means "to give" or "to present," and while "Gift" does not specify the recipient, "Shinmotsu" is typically a gift for someone of higher status, a tribute.
A person of higher status refers to someone like a boss or senior, but this also includes ancestors, the deceased, or their bereaved family.
"Shinmotsu" usually involves a decorative paper called "Noshi" (officially "Kakegami"), often with a printed Mizuhiki or Noshi attached to the top or front.

The type of Noshi 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 clay-like consistency, then pressed with 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 press) to extrude long, thin strips resembling somen noodles.



(3) Itamuki (placing on a board)
The strips are arranged 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 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.

Sandalwood (Byakudan)

Evergreen trees of the Santalaceae family distributed from the Maluku Islands to India.



The wood itself emits a sweet fragrance, also called "Sendan."
An essential component in oriental-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.
Clove (Chōji)

Clove 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 major producers.
For cooks, "Chōji" may be more familiar as "Clove."
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 is made from the dried bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus, such as Cinnamomum cassia, believed to originate 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.
In Buddhist ceremonies, incense is often crafted with the aroma of the "Lotus," a special flower, blended by master incense makers using natural materials.
A noble, healing fragrance.

Uncolored (black).
A fragrance crafted by a master with a tradition since 1850 (Kaei 3).
Made entirely in Japan from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
The burning method and airflow can cause slight variations in burning time.
Main ingredients of incense: activated charcoal, Tsubaki powder, and fragrance.
Content weight: approximately 100g, Smoke amount: light smoke.

Incense length: approximately 13.5cm, Burning time: about 25 minutes, Single item dimensions and weight: 80x30x158mm, 147g.
2023/03/06 21:27:08#82080be0bf2260e4f57ca9bff190252b339455f4
・線香の長さ:約13.5cm 燃焼時間:約25分 単品寸法・重量：80x30x158mm 147g
2023/03/06 21:27:08#82080be0bf2260e4f57ca9bff190252b339455f4