About Us

Okoh — Japan’s Incense Culture to the World

Founded in 1937 as a wholesale incense merchant, we chose the name Kohgen with the hope of becoming a true "source of information on Japanese incense."

We are passionate about sharing the beauty and depth of incense with as many people as possible.

With a deep respect for tradition, we continue to dedicate ourselves to incense so that this unique aspect of Japanese culture can be passed down to future generations—and shared with the world.

Company Profile

Kohgen Co., Ltd.
Founded 1937
Established December 6, 1991
Address 4-47 Oaki-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 453-0042

・Contact
E-mail webmaster@kohgen.com
Company HP https://okoh.co.jp/

・Finance & Business
Capital JPY 10,000,000
Business Activities
Sales of incense (okoh), aromatic wood, prayer beads (juzu), and other fragrance-related products.

Company Timeline

1937：Kikuya Seishindo founded
The first generation, Shigeo Kikuya, founded Kikuya Seishindo

1947：Full-scale sales activities
Became an agent for Usui Shoten (now S.T. Corporation) and began selling products such as pocket warmers and charcoal

1947：Certified as an agent for multiple incense manufacturers nationwide
With growing trust, we became an agent for incense manufacturers nationwide.
We started doing business with long-established manufacturers such as Dainihon Jochugiku Co., Ltd. (Kincho), Daihatsu Co., Ltd., Seijudo Co., Ltd., Baieido Co., Ltd., Kunmeido Co., Ltd., and Osagawa Nisaburou Shoten Co., Ltd.

1953：Launch of Miyoshikoutan
We currently launched a charcoal incense that boasts a 60% share of the national market.(Manufacturing outsourced to Mycoal Co., Ltd.)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

1999：Mail-order sales business started
We launched a mail-order website that is still in operation today.

2001：Incense experience started
We started the incense experience at our directly managed stores, which continues to this day.
http://www.kohgen.com

2009：Nagoya Head Office newly opened

2014：Ginza Main Store opened

2016：Nagoya Main Store newly opened

2018：Ueno store opened

2020：General Incorporated Association Okoh Recurrent Academy established

2025：Company name changed to "Kohgen Co., Ltd."

2025：Kyoto Karasuma Gojo store opened

Store 　-4 locations-

Concierges are stationed at each store. In a relaxing space filled with good scents, we will help you find the scent from a selection of incense from all over Japan.Enjoy a variety of encounters, from familiar scents to new scents.

Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s premier luxury district, known for its blend of tradition and modernity. Nestled in Ginza 4-chome, just steps from the iconic Kabukiza Theater, our store offers a refined space to explore the world of fragrance.Conveniently located a 1-minute walk from Exit 5 of Higashi-Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line & Toei Asakusa Line).

Ueno

Ueno is a vibrant cultural hub, home to museums, historic sites, and the charming Yanesen neighborhood. Our store stands along Kotoidori in Ueno Sakuragi, Taito Ward—a quiet area perfect for a leisurely visit. About a 15-minute walk from JR Ueno Station’s Park Exit, toward Tokyo University of the Arts.

Kyoto

Kyoto, the ancient capital, is famed for its temples, seasonal beauty, and deep cultural roots. Our Kyoto location offers a serene space to discover fragrance in the heart of this historic city. Just 7 minutes on foot from Gojo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a dynamic city where innovation meets tradition, located in central Japan. Our flagship store stands in Oakimachi, near Nagoya Station’s west exit. It's an easy 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Honjin Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line.

Learn more about store

Message from the CEO

CEO　Masahiko Kikuya

Founded in 1937 during the early Showa period, we originallystarted as an incense wholesaler." We named our company“Kohgen” meaning "the source of information about incensein Japan.”We would like to convey the culture of incense to peoplearound the world. And we would like to pass on the culture ofincense as a gift to our future children. For this purpose, all ofus aim to be an “incense concierge” who can suggest the bestincense for our customers, and each of us is making effortsevery day.

CEO's Biography

Graduated from Aichi University
Graduated from JapanShorinji Marcial Arts College,Higher Normal Course

2002～ Lecturer at the China-JapanCultural Center

2009～ Part-time lecturer atKinjo University

2020～ Established GeneralIncorporated Association OkohRecurrent Academy and assumedthe position of Director.

《Lecture History》
the Association of Small BusinessEntrepreneurs, Japan ManagementConsultants Association, Nikkei BusinessPublications, Rikkyo University, Ministryof Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism etc.