Japanese Incense - Incense Makers

Incense Makers

The following are the major incense companies in Japan (alphabetical order):

• Baieidō（梅栄堂）
• Daihatsu（大発）
• Gyokushodō（玉初堂）
• Kitōtenkundō（鬼頭天薫堂）
• Kōjū（香十）
• Kōkandō（孔官堂）
• Kunjudō（薫寿堂）
• Kunmeidō（薫明堂）
• Kyūkyodō（鳩居堂）
• Nippon Kōdō（日本香堂）
• Seijudō（誠寿堂）
• Seikadō（精華堂）
• Shōeidō（松栄堂）
• Tennendō（天年堂）
• Yamada-Matsu Kōboku-ten（山田松香木店）

Baieidō was established in 1657 in Sakai City and is the oldest company in Japan. Shōeidō was established in 1705 in Kyoto Japan. Both Baieido and Shoyeido are used extensively by Zen Buddhist temples, both in Japan and worldwide. Nippon Kōdō was established by incoporation in New York City in August 1965 and is the largest seller of Japanese incense worldwide. Most of their incense is "Everyday" quality (毎日 mainichi). They do make some "Traditional" incense as well. These three are the major exporters of Japanese incense.

Currently, 70% of all of Japan's incense is manufactured on a small island south of Osaka called Awaji Island. The history extends back to 1850 in Ei of the city of Awaji in 1850 when Senshuu Sakai manufacturing technology was introduced. At the time, Ei was a military run trade port for the Tokushima Clan, which opened the door to the import and sale of raw materials used in making incense. Over time, the incense made in Awaji Island became renowned throughout Japan. The main reason incense manufacturing took root in Awaji Island is because of its nishi-kaze (west wind). This strong seasonal wind hampers the fishing industry, giving rise to the necessity for cottage industries such as incense making. This wind is also great for drying incense.

Kyūkyodō, Kunmeidō, and Kōkandō also sell some incense overseas. It may be difficult to find the other brands outside of Japan. There are numerous other incense makers in Japan, of course. These are the either the major sellers or the oldest companies in Japan.