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SOZO | AROMA

8 products

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A fragrance woven from tradition and innovation
Hyogo-Kinki

Area

A Crossroads of the Sea, Blessed by Nature

Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, lies at the strait connecting the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, a maritime hub that has fostered centuries of trade and cultural exchange.

This location as a trading center brought not only goods but also culture, technology, and innovation from across Japan and overseas, nurturing an environment where tradition and progress coexist naturally.

Known in Japanese mythology as the "Island of Nation-Birth," Awaji Island enjoys a mild climate and a diverse natural environment featuring expansive seas, mountains, and farmlands. It has thrived since ancient times through agriculture and fishing.

This rich natural setting has shaped both the island's renowned culinary culture—featuring Awaji beef, onions, and fresh seafood—and its approach to craftsmanship.

Here, nature and tradition, food culture and performing arts, and fragrance culture coexist in dynamic harmony.

The island's environment—with its warm maritime climate, stable humidity, and gentle sea breezes—provides ideal conditions for incense production, accounting for approximately 70% of Japan's total output.

History

A place where fragrant wood has been brought since ancient times

Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture has had a deep connection with fragrant woods since ancient times.

It is said that the first introduction of fragrant woods to Japan occurred during the reign of Empress Suiko, when agarwood that had washed ashore on the island's coast was presented to the court.

During the Edo period, specialized production of incense sticks began, and the island eventually developed into a major production center, accounting for over 70% of domestic production.

It was on this "Island of Fragrance" that Shinko Co., Ltd. was founded in 1988.

The founder began the business with the goal of "delivering fragrances that truly benefit customers' lives," starting with the manufacture and sale of incense sticks for grave visits.

At the time, there were differences in how incense sticks were used between the Kansai and Kanto regions, particularly with bundle incense sticks used in the Kanto region and northward being difficult to light.

To address this, the company developed incense sticks with a "flame-starting core" impregnated with wax at the tip, enabling easy ignition with a single match.

This innovative design garnered significant attention and laid the foundation for the company's philosophy of creating "convenient, interesting, and appealing products."

Since then, the company has established a system that combines the craftsmanship of artisans with the developmental expertise of engineers, including the in-house design and manufacturing of equipment and machinery.

We have also actively pursued environmentally conscious manufacturing and the introduction of new scents in response to changing times.

After approximately five years of trial and error, we developed "SOZO," an innovative incense where the scent changes within a single stick.

While inheriting the traditional scents passed down through generations on Awaji Island, our commitment to continuously challenge the future is the essence of Shinko's journey.

Characteristic

The birth of SOZO, It's the changing scent.

SOZO is a revolutionary incense series that combines traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.

Its most distinctive feature is its "unique scent timer that changes over time."

Within a single stick of incense, the scent changes sequentially, providing an experience that allows you to feel the passage of time with all five senses.

This innovation is based on 36 years of incense stick manufacturing technology in Awaji Island, developed from scratch using proprietary technology.

It took approximately five years of development, involving numerous prototypes to meticulously adjust the balance of scent transitions through careful calibration of fragrance ratios, burning temperatures, and duration.

Additionally, there is a rigorous focus on material selection.

By using a combination of natural and high-quality synthetic fragrances, the unique characteristics of each fragrance are maximized, creating a beautiful and pleasant transition of scents.

To appeal to the sense of sight, the colors and packaging design are meticulously designed to match the theme and season, ensuring that both the fragrance and packaging convey a sense of enjoyment and beauty.

Furthermore, we maintain a domestic production system that prioritizes safety and security, with all processes carried out by skilled craftsmen to ensure quality control down to the finest details.

Additionally, SOZO recommends a "lay down and burning" style, allowing you to enjoy the fragrance until the very end with minimal waste.

In this way, SOZO, where tradition and innovation intersect, is a product that pursues a rich, fragrant experience that evokes the passage of time.

For Customers

A fragrance for cherishing the present moment

SOZO is an incense designed to help you feel the passage of time through the changing scents.

In the midst of a busy daily life, there are moments when you just want to take a deep breath.

SOZO gently fills that mental space and helps you appreciate the present moment.

The scent changes within a single stick, so you can enjoy it until the very end without getting bored, and there is no need to purchase new scents.

It is a small luxury that feels like unwinding your mind and regaining a positive mindset.

The name SOZO combines the meanings of "creation (to create)" and "imagination (to imagine)."

Crafted with the skill and flexible creativity of Awaji Island artisans, this incense accompanies your heart, naturally blending into moments of yoga, meditation, or digital detox.

May the quiet peace and small moments of wonder that make today special gently illuminate your daily life.

May SOZO become your partner in creating rich, fulfilling moments.