Kaunkudo Co., Ltd. was founded in 1850 (Kaei 3), and based on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, sells 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 list of 100 locations designated as excellent fragrance environments, supporting regional efforts to preserve and create pleasant scents and their natural and cultural sources.



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, "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 can smell incense throughout the entire town.

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, and continues to be an integral part of their lives.
The tradition of 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, Kaunkudo hopes to continue helping preserve the rich fragrance, natural environment, culture, and lifestyle for future generations.



A gaze that looks toward 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 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 realm of hungry ghosts, and he asked Buddha how to save her. Buddha replied,
"Offer food to monks who complete 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 Maudgalyayana, has been established.
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.)
Generally, the Obon holiday period is from August 13th to 16th, called "Tsukure Obon" (delayed Obon).
Additionally, it is customary to perform "Bon Odori" during Obon, which is said to originate from Maudgalyayana dancing joyfully after saving his mother.
Various aspects of Higan.



The day when daytime and nighttime are of equal length is called the "Chūnichi" (midday), and it 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 the deceased and ancestors.

At temples, memorial services called "Higan-e" are held 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 in the west, is the origin of the practice of offering memorials on the day of the equinox, which marks the setting of the sun in the 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 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, such as an offering.
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"), often printed with mizuhiki (decorative cord).

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 pressed with a 玉締め機 (compression machine) to create "Neridama" (kneaded balls).


(2) Bonyuki (cutting into strips)
The "Neridama" is pressed through a 玉押し機 (strip extruder) to form long, thin strands resembling somen noodles.



(3) Ita-tsuki (plate setting)
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.



Jinkō (Agarwood, Aquilaria)
Resin that has accumulated and solidified in the trunk of trees belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family, native to 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 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 sandalwood has decreased, and it is becoming a 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 original habitat is said to be the Moluccas (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.
Kēihi (Cinnamon)
Kēihi 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 "Kēihi."
The aroma of cinnamon, similar to that of the Chinese herbal medicine "Kakkonto," is characteristic of Kēihi.

It pairs well with cakes, bread, cookies, and black tea, and is widely used in cinnamon rolls, cinnamon toast, and cinnamon sticks.
A purple incense stick for grave visits that does not burn too intensely, with adjustable flame volume.
Fresh floral scent.

Packaged in a bag to suppress scent dispersion and moisture.
Compatible with incense holders of 2 cm diameter, also usable as a bundle for multiple sticks.
Traditional incense since 1850 (Kaei 3).
Made entirely in Japan from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
Burning time may vary depending on how the incense is lit and air flow.
Single size: (Width) 22mm (Height) 22mm (Depth) 138mm (Weight) about 24g, approximately 22g per bundle (bundle thickness and weight may vary slightly depending on manufacturing period).
Main raw materials of incense: Sandalwood powder, cedarwood powder, activated charcoal, fragrance.

Contents: 50 bundles, Smoke: Yes, Incense length: about 13.4cm, Burning time: about 30 minutes, Product dimensions and weight: 225x100x140mm, 1250g.
2023/03/06 17:54:51#af05609a8a2cee595fc5ae7cbfe33b9cf036b972
・内容量：50束 煙の量：有煙 線香の長さ:約13.4cm 燃焼時間:約30分 商品寸法・重量：225x100x140mm 1250g
2023/03/06 17:54:51#af05609a8a2cee595fc5ae7cbfe33b9cf036b972