Kōdō, considered one of the “three major traditional Japanese arts” alongside tea ceremony and flower arrangement, is the art of appreciating incense.
Experiencing the delicate scents of aromatic woods offers a moment to relax and clear the mind.
Kōdō lives on today as a traditional Japanese art that nurtures inner balance and a deep sense of tranquility.
In this workshop, you will create your own scented sachet as an introduction to the world of Kōdō while learning about the history and culture of kōdō and incense, guided by Ms. Iguchi of Juttoku., based in Kagurazaka, who shares the spirit of Japan through the art of incense.
You will blend nine types of natural fragrances to suit your preference, then choose your favorite fabric from a variety of colors and patterns and assemble it into a finished piece.
June’s rainy days can be a little gloomy, but by taking home your own personal fragrance you can enjoy a gentle moment of comfort in your daily life even after the event.
Why not take a peaceful moment to create your own incense and enjoy this hands-on Japanese cultural experience? It’s perfect for anyone interested in Japanese culture or cross-cultural exchange!
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- Photo by Juttoku.
Guest
Ms. Mai Iguchi
After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University, she worked in IT before founding Juttoku. in 2009. Misconceptions about Japanese culture that she encountered abroad prompted her to reflect deeply on her identity.
Discovering incense by chance during her travels at a busy time in her life led her to study Kōdō.
She later trained under master practitioners of the Shino school of Kōdō (the Way of Incense). She now engages in environmental conservation and tree-planting activities in Tenkawa Village, Nara, working to connect nature, culture, and community.
Cooperation
Juttoku.
Guided by the concept “In harmony with nature, leaving a gentle resonance in everyday life,” Juttoku. conveys through fragrance the Japanese sensibility that cherishes the unseen, nurtured across more than 1,500 years of incense culture in Japan.
The prayers and ways of living that people in ancient times entrusted to scent have transcended the ages and still speak quietly to our hearts today. Rather than merely offering fragrance, Juttoku. carries forward and weaves the beautiful spirituality long treasured in Japan into the present.
Date & Time
Thursday, June. 11th, 2026, 5:15-7:15pm
(Check in from 5pm)
Place
Waseda Campus
*Details sent to confirmed participants
Eligibility
Waseda Students
Language
English & Japanese
Fee
Free
Capacity
about 30 people
(by lottery, results announced on the deadline day)
Application
via this form
Deadline
Thursday, June. 4th, 9:00am
*Check your email on this day and follow the instructions!
Before Applying
Please read and confirm your understanding of ICC’s policies on Cancellation, Food Allergens, Photography and Reasonable Accommodations here.
For this event, participants will create sachets using natural aromatic materials. If you are sensitive to fragrances, have allergies, or have any health concerns, please take this into consideration before registering.
The workshop will be conducted with careful attention to ventilation. However, if you feel unwell at any time during the event, please do not hesitate to inform a staff member.
Enquiries
ICC
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