Thank you, as always, for your support. This is Masahiko Kikuya of Kohgen.
On October 28, 2026, I gave the sixth lecture of the fall semester at Kinjo Gakuin University in Nagoya. Time flies; we are already six lectures into the semester.
This session: the history of Japanese incense
Instead of our usual hands-on session with fragrant wood, I spoke about the history of incense in Japan, from the Asuka period to the Nara period (roughly the 6th to 8th centuries).
Incense came to Japan together with Buddhism. We traced how it became part of people’s lives and culture. Following the history of incense is also a way to learn about Japanese history and culture.
Lectures are now 100 minutes
From this year, university lectures have grown from 90 to 100 minutes. It is only ten minutes longer, but strangely, it feels as if I have a little more time to spare, and I can talk with the students more thoroughly than before.
Lecturing since 2009
I have been lecturing at the university since 2009. I hope to share with the students even a little of the depth and charm of Japanese incense culture. I am already looking forward to the next lecture.
We also hold incense classes at our stores in Japan. If you would like to learn about the history of incense or experience fragrant wood, please visit one of our stores.
Our Stores | About Fragrant Wood
Masahiko Kikuya, Owner of Kohgen
