History

In the year 538 CE, Japanese incense came to Japan from China along with Buddhism. From that point on, incense would become an important facet of Japanese culture. The use and tradition of Japanese incense has evolved over fifteen centuries from it's humble beginnings, to the refined and sensitive art that it is today.

Appreciation of incense peaked with the Incense Ceremony, called Kodo (the "way of incense'). Kodo is considered one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, along with Tea Ceremony and flower arrangement.

Argarwood

Naturally grown in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, India and in China, Agarwood is often used as a base in high-end Japanese incense. It is created by a very unusual process - only the undisturbed rainy forests in tropical regions, with centuries of time, can produce this miracle of nature. Agarwood is highly valued for Japanese incense ceremonies, and it is also traditionally used for soothing or relaxation purposes.

The highest grade of Agarwood is called Kyara, which in anciant Japanese means precious. Kyara has deeper aroma and is more resinous than the average Agarwood. Cinnamon Bark - One of oldest spices known to man. There are often many more ingredients often found in Japaese incense including clove, frankincense, and eucalyptus to name just a few.