Shoyeido
Manufacturer
About 300 years ago (1705), Moriyoshi Rokuzaemon HATA, who led the district of Tanba-Sasayama in what is now Kyoto Prefecture, established a business called "SASAYA." Rokubei Moritsune HATA, representing the third generation of the Hata family involved in the production of incense, began integrating methods for making incense that he had learned during his work at the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. He applied the secret traditions of the court to blend incense that had previously been enjoyed exclusively by kings. Nearly three hundred years later, the Hata family continues the legacy of their innovative ancestors, offering a variety of unique, hand-blended incense. Today, Shoyeido is considered the highest quality and most natural incense in the world.
Travelers in Japan will find several "Shoyeido shops" in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, in the Ginza and Aoyama districts, as well as in Sapporo. The main shops, including Shoyeido's headquarters in Kyoto, offer the opportunity to experience incense ceremonies and other cultural activities throughout the year. Additionally, Shoyeido is the main sponsor of an "incense competition" in Japan, where participants submit essays to express their experiences with different scents. Shoyeido not only produces high-quality incense but also advocates for the preservation of valuable traditions in the modern world.
However, it is not only their noble heritage that makes Shoyeido a sought-after manufacturer of accessories for exquisite incense ceremonies worldwide. The masters at Shoyeido consistently succeed in creating new, incomparable fragrances using precious natural ingredients. Sandalwood, cherry blossom, cinnamon, vanilla, herbs, and various spices are the classics in the repertoire of the incense workshop. Each fragrance blend incorporates between 20 and 50 different natural ingredients, which are meticulously assembled according to the highest quality standards and a strictly confidential recipe. The most popular type of incense is the traditional Japanese incense sticks. However, incense cones and incense coils are also increasingly finding their way into European incense ceremonies. The most traditional fragrances in Japan include Haku-un, Daigen-koh, Kin-kaku; Gozan, Hoyei-koh, Kyo-zakura, Kyo-nishiki, Baika-ju, En-mei, and Nokiba. The high-quality content and well-thought-out blend of incense sticks reflect the expertise and quality standards of Shoyeido.
It is interesting to note that many scents are not necessarily consciously perceived. Their effect unfolds in the subconscious and indirectly influences our mood. Therefore, incense sticks are often used in Japan for specific purposes - for example, to facilitate sleep or meditation. Certain fragrances are conducive to concentration, while others provide inner peace and clarity. Japanese incense sticks from Shoyeido produce less smoke compared to Indian incense sticks, which is considered a quality feature when burning incense. The scent is less intense and intrusive, making it suitable for use in small spaces. Additionally, they are vegan, free from animal substances, artificial flavors, synthetic oils, and preservatives. Shoyeido incense sticks are made without wooden cores, resulting in a pure fragrance without any smoky aromas. While the Japanese lifestyle has evolved over the centuries, the appreciation and pride in their traditional manufacturing methods have remained intact to this day.
