Japanese incense is much admired by some folks, particularly American. A number of the major Japanese incense companies have opened a branch in America, though not in Europe or other places. The relationship between America and Japan puts me in mind of the relationship between Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, where Rome, after conquering Greece, admired and fell in love with Greek culture.
I have not yet really got to grips with Japanese incense - the expense coupled with my (admittedly limited) experience has not encouraged me to dig in and have a go - though Shoyeido being willing to release some samplers has been helpful. I'm gathering together here my limited experience of Japanese incense and looking to build on it over time.
Reviews
Baieido Kobunboku Regular - Plum Blossom Feb 2023 -Score: 29 |
March 2023 - Score: 28 |
Nippon Kodo Morning Star Myrrh Sept 2021 - Score: 28 |
Nippon Kodo Morning Star Cedarwood Feb 2023 - Score: 28↓ |
Dec 2023 - Score: 27↑↓ |
Shoyeido Magnifiscents Gems/Jewels Sampler Jan 2023 - Score: 26 |
Nippon Kodo Morning Star Mimosa Feb - 2023 - Score: 24 |
Nippon Kodo Mainichi-koh Sandalwood Feb 2023 - Score: 23↓= |
Shoyeido Daigen-Koh (Great Origin) Jan 2022 - Score: 22↑ |
Nippon Kudo Naturense Calm Night (P) Oct 2024 - Score: 20 |
Scents burned: 10
Top score: 29
Bottom score: 20
Average: 25
Conclusion: I've not yet explored much Japanese incense, but what I have experienced hasn't encouraged me to explore further. I find Japanese incense to be quite dry and sombre, and with such a mild scent that it is easily overlooked. So far I've only tried the more reasonably priced incense, and even that I find expensive compared to incense from other countries. The packaging, though, is very attractive.
Conclusion: I've not yet explored much Japanese incense, but what I have experienced hasn't encouraged me to explore further. I find Japanese incense to be quite dry and sombre, and with such a mild scent that it is easily overlooked. So far I've only tried the more reasonably priced incense, and even that I find expensive compared to incense from other countries. The packaging, though, is very attractive.
So true im done with Japanese incense stick boring and not what I was hoping for.
ReplyDeleteAnd spending more money to this will not be pleasant for my wallet.
I think a combination of scents that rarely excite or overwhelm with the expense of the incense has been putting me off. I'm almost there with the "I'm done" attitude, but I am keeping my mind and options open for a little longer. I will certainly not, however, be paying out silly money for any Japanese incense when there are so many wonderful Indian incenses that can be purchased for reasonable prices.
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