In Japan, room fragrances such as incense and candles are used to welcome guests into the home, during relaxation time, or to eliminate cooking odors. Our collection includes room candles and incenses made from natural fragrances like Hinoki, Hiba, and Kusunoki, known for their stress-reducing effects.
The culture of scent in Japan began in 595 AD when a piece of driftwood washed ashore. When islanders burned the wood, it released an indescribably exquisite fragrance. Astonished, they presented the driftwood to Empress Suiko, and Prince Shotoku, who was the regent at that time, identified it as the rare treasure "Agarwood." This event, recorded in the Nihon Shoki, marks the first description of fragrant wood in Japan and the origin of Japanese fragrance culture, which has evolved over the centuries into incense for prayer (such as incense sticks and ceremonial incense), fragrances for lifestyle (like perfumed woods and kneaded incense), and eventually the art of Kodo.
At Millennium Gallery Japan, we offer products from KITOWA, established in 2018. KITOWA carries forward the tradition of Japanese cultural fragrances, while innovating new cultural scents. It has a background from a historic Japanese incense leading company that has preserved the traditional fragrance-making techniques, as well as the history and culture of scents, for over 450 years since the 16th century. Bring the traditional Japanese wood fragrances into your home and experience the elegance of Japan's natural beauty.
