Shoyeido Incense Company History
Founded in Kyoto during the Hoei Era
With a history spanning over 300 years, Shoyeido’s journey began in Kyoto during the Hoei Era. Originally established as “Sasaya,” the company was founded by Hata Rokuzaemon Moriyoshi, the village chief of Tamba Sasayama, who began a family business rooted in craftsmanship and tradition.
In the third generation, Hata Moritsune — who also served as the Chief Water Officer of the Imperial Palace — devoted himself to the art of incense making and established the name Shoyeido.
For thirteen generations, Shoyeido has continued to preserve and refine the traditional art of Japanese incense, blending centuries-old techniques with a deep appreciation for nature, beauty, and the subtle fragrances that enrich everyday life.
At Shoyeido, the art of incense making is guided by the philosophy of “handmade with heart.” Each fragrance is carefully crafted through the harmony of skilled hands, time-honoured techniques, a commitment to authenticity, and refined senses developed over generations.
While preserving the traditional methods and spirit passed down through centuries, Shoyeido continues to embrace innovation and modern technology to further enhance the art of incense. This balance between heritage and progress allows us to uphold the trust and reputation of a long-established Kyoto incense house, while creating fragrances that bring beauty, peace, and mindfulness to everyday life.
A Subtle and Profound Fragrance Created Through Nature
The true beauty of incense lies in the depth and subtlety of natural fragrances. Many of the finest incense ingredients are derived from precious natural materials sourced from around the world, including China, India, and Southeast Asia.
While modern technology allows fragrances to be recreated synthetically, they cannot fully capture the complexity, warmth, and delicate character found in nature. The human sense of smell is remarkably sensitive, able to recognise the unique essence and harmony of authentic aromas.
At Shoyeido, our mission is to preserve the purity, elegance, and subtle nuances of these natural ingredients, delivering their timeless beauty to people around the world. At the same time, we continue to explore new possibilities by thoughtfully combining the artistry of traditional natural fragrances with innovative approaches, creating incense experiences that are both refined and timeless.
The Wings of Fragrance Spreading Around the World
In 1897 (Meiji 30), Shoyeido combined centuries-old incense traditions with innovative techniques to create “Floral World Incense,” a new style of incense designed to suit the lifestyles and preferences of people around the world. This marked a significant milestone as Shoyeido became one of the first Japanese incense makers to successfully export incense to the United States.
In 1915 (Taisho 4), during the Imperial Ceremony of Emperor Taisho, Shoyeido’s incense was selected and purchased by the Imperial Household, further establishing its reputation throughout Japan.
Since then, Shoyeido has continued to honour its traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation and refining advanced techniques. Today, the delicate beauty of Japanese incense continues to reach people across the globe, sharing moments of peace, harmony, and mindfulness.