Kaorundō Co., Ltd. was founded in Kaei 3 (1850) and sells incense sticks and incense from its base in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.

Incense sticks are closely related to Japanese culture, climate, and national character.
We offer market proposals with the desire to value customer feedback and culture, and to be of service.
Furthermore, in order to contribute to the development of fragrance culture, we are challenging technological innovation and developing products that focus on naturalness, health, and convenience while utilizing traditional techniques.

The charming townscape of Ei, selected as one of the "100 Best Fragrant Landscapes" by the Ministry of the Environment.
"100 Best Fragrant Landscapes" is a designation of 100 locations that are particularly excellent as fragrant environments, as part of supporting regional initiatives to preserve and create good fragrances and the natural and cultural environments that are their source.



Over 170 years since incense stick making began on Awaji Island


"Incense Stick Making in Awaji City" and "100 Best Fragrant Landscapes"
After the end of World War II, when American occupation forces visited Awaji City Ei (formerly Ei, Ichinomiya Town), a soldier is said to have asked a passerby:
"Is something happening in town today?"
To this, the passerby replied, "Why do you ask if something is happening?"
The soldier then said, "Well, the scent of incense is coming from all over town, so I thought there must be a funeral for some important person."
There is an anecdote that he replied, "

In Awaji City Ei, many incense factories line the streets, and the scent of incense drifts as a part of daily life. Visitors to the town are always surprised by the scent of incense emanating from the entire area.

Incense stick production, which accounts for approximately 70% of the total national production and has been ongoing since the Kaei era (about 170 years ago), still involves one in four residents of Awaji City Ei in incense stick making, and is deeply rooted in the lives of the residents.
This "Incense Stick Making in Awaji City" was certified as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "100 Best Fragrant Landscapes" in 2001.

We at Kaorundō, as one of the oldest manufacturers that started incense stick making in Awaji City Ei, hope to continue to assist in preserving the rich fragrance and the nature, culture, and life that are its source for the future.



A Gaze Towards the Tradition and Future of Fragrance


All About Obon
Obon is originally an abbreviation, and its formal name is "Urabon-e."
It is said to be derived from the Sanskrit word "Ullambana," meaning "hanging upside down."
This originates from the story of one of Buddha's disciples, Mokuren Sonja, saving his deceased mother.

One day, Mokuren Sonja learned that his deceased mother was being tormented while hanging upside down in a hell called the realm of hungry ghosts, and asked Buddha how he could save her. Buddha replied:
"Offer food to the monks who have completed their training on July 15th.
Through the merit of this, you will be able to save your mother."
"
Since then, it is said that people began to offer prayers on July 15th, following Mokuren Sonja's example, out of respect for their ancestors.

Currently, Obon often refers to the period from July 13th to 16th or August 13th to 16th.
(However, in some regions, "Old Obon" is observed around the 15th of July according to the lunar calendar.)
Generally, August 13th to 16th is referred to as the Obon holiday, and this is called "Tsuki Okure Bon" (delayed moon Obon).
Also, it is customary to have "Bon Odori" (Obon dances) during Obon, which is said to originate from Mokuren Sonja dancing all night in joy that his mother was saved.



All About Ohigan
The days when the length of day and night are equal are called the equinox, and there are two such days a year, in spring and autumn.
These equinoxes correspond to the "Vernal Equinox Day" and the "Autumnal Equinox Day," and the three days before and after each, totaling seven days, are called Higan.

During Higan, families visit graves to remember their deceased loved ones and ancestors.
Additionally, various temples hold memorial services called "Higan-e" to offer prayers for ancestors.

In the first place, "Higan" is a Buddhist term referring to the world of enlightenment free from delusion, that is, the Pure Land.
Incidentally, the world we live in is expressed as "This Shore" (Shigan).
The belief that the Pure Land of Amida Buddha is located in the west is said to be the origin of Higan, with the day of prayer being the day of the equinox when the sun sets exactly in the west.



A Talk About Gifts
We are sometimes asked, "What is a 'shinmotsu'?"
"Shinmotsu" refers to items or gifts given to others.
During the Ochuugen and Oseibo gift-giving seasons, you may often see the word "shinmotsu" at department stores, or perhaps you have had the experience of a store clerk asking, "Is this for a gift?" when making a purchase.
So, what is the difference between "zoutouhin" and "shinmotsu"?
Simply put, they are the same, but when considering the nuances of the words, there is a slight difference between "zoutouhin" and "shinmotsu."
The character "進" (shin) in "shinmotsu" means "to offer" or "to present," and while "zoutouhin" can be a gift to anyone, "shinmotsu" is considered a gift or tribute to a superior.
Superiors refer to those who are older or in a higher position than oneself, such as bosses or seniors, but this also includes ancestors, deceased persons, and their bereaved families.

"Shinmotsu" typically has a "noshi paper" (officially called "kakegami") printed with a Mizuhiki (decorative cord) or Noshi (a stylized drawing of a dried abalone) attached to the top or front.
"
The type of "noshi paper" changes depending on the occasion, such as celebrations, condolences, or return gifts.



Incense Stick Manufacturing (Handicraft Artisans)


(1) Fragrance Blending and Kneading
Various raw materials are placed in a kneading machine, mixed with water or hot water, kneaded like clay, compressed using a roller press, and a "neridama" (kneaded ball) is created.



(2) Bon-kiri (Sheet Cutting)
The "neridama" is fed into a roller press and extruded into long, thin strands like somen noodles.



(3) Itazuke (Arranging on Trays)
The strands are arranged closely together on a tray called a bonita.



(4) Drying
After being placed in a drying room, they are air-dried.



Jinko (Agarwood)
It is the resin that has precipitated and aggregated from the Aquilaria tree, which grows in India and Southeast Asia, and is considered the highest grade among fragrant woods.
It is also called Jinko wood because its precipitated and aggregated specific gravity is high, causing it to sink in water.

Over many years, the resin formed in the wood becomes buried in soil or water, solidifies, precipitates, and becomes a fragrant wood that emits a unique aroma.

It is used as a sedative and stomachic.



Byakudan (Sandalwood)
An evergreen tree of the sandalwood family distributed from the Malay Archipelago to India.
The wood itself emits a sweet fragrance, and it is also called Sendan.
It is an indispensable fragrant wood for Oriental perfumery and is also used as a material for fine arts and crafts such as Buddhist statues.

Due to the effects of natural disasters and increased demand, the quantity of sandalwood has decreased, and it is becoming a precious material, approaching the value of agarwood.



Chōji (Cloves)
Chōji (cloves) are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, a member of the myrtle family.
The name Chōji was given because its shape resembles a nail.
Its origin is said to be the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia.
Currently, Indonesia and East Africa are the main production areas.

For those who cook, the name Clove might be more familiar than Chōji.
It is often used as a spice in meat dishes, curries, soups, and sauces.
It is characterized by its strong sweet aroma and a pungent, stimulating taste.



Keihi (Cinnamon)
Keihi (cinnamon) is the dried bark of the Cinnamomum aromaticum (Chinese cinnamon) and other related species, and its origin is said to be southern China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

You may be more familiar with the name Cinnamon than Keihi.
The aroma of Keihi is a refreshing scent, like that of the Kampo medicine Kakkonto.
It pairs well with Western confections such as cakes, bread, and cookies, as well as black tea, and is widely enjoyed in items like cinnamon rolls, cinnamon toast, and cinnamon sticks.

- Traditional incense sticks using traditional techniques since Kaei 3 (1850).
A familiar fragrance.
Pure domestic product from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
The burning time may vary slightly depending on how the incense stick is burned and the airflow.
Approximately 23g per bundle of incense sticks, 19mm bundle thickness (bundle thickness and weight may vary slightly depending on the manufacturing period)
- Tenu powder, cedar powder, Kampo medicine, etc., dyes (Contents: 12 bundles, Smoke level: Smoky, Incense stick length: approx. 13.5cm, Burning time: approx. 30 minutes, Individual dimensions/weight: 124x40x152mm 352g
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2023/05/29 10:31:19#03d6a998a633a94bfc3579cfb13b2bf7d655b515