#Japan #POPUP SHOP #Japanese Fragrance #Aroma Experience #Ureshino

Unveiling the 'Japanese Fragrance' Pop-Up Shop

In celebration of the launch of the book Japanese Fragrance, Nihon Kodo Holdings will host a special pop-up shop from July 23 to August 11, 2025 at the Wataya Besso in Ureshino City, Saga. This unique event aims to immerse visitors in the enchanting world of scents through interactive exhibits that focus on the theme of "experiencing fragrance."

The pop-up shop will highlight the captivating 1500-year legacy of fragrance in Japan, allowing guests to engage with three central elements: "Tracing Fragrance," "Sensing Fragrance," and "Tasting Fragrance." Visitors are invited to dive into the vibrant visuals and narratives presented in the book, as well as insights from domestic and international scholars and perfumers, providing a multifaceted exploration of Japanese aromatic culture.

Special Event

On August 9, guests can attend exclusive scented experiences that include a limited edition premium ticket offering. This ticket will allow access to three unique events focused on "tracing," "sensing," and "tasting" fragrances, along with fragrance merchandise and a day pass for the hot springs at Wataya Besso, available to just six lucky attendees.

Pop-Up Overview

Duration: July 23, 2025 - August 11, 2025
Location: Wataya Besso, Ureshino City, Saga
Wataya Besso Website
Address: 738 Otsu, Ureshino-cho, Ureshino City, Saga 843-0301

Exhibition Concept: 'Experience Fragrance'

In the realm of Kodo (the way of fragrance), there exists the expression "listening to scent," implying that while scents cannot be seen, they can be felt with the heart. This exhibition encourages guests to connect with fragrances through historical and cultural contexts, utilizing everyday aromatic items like incense sticks, and appreciating artistic expressions through the medium of scent.

Our group philosophy of "Traveling with Fragrance" will be embodied in this pop-up experience, where visitors can engage with the book Japanese Fragrance and participate in various events throughout the exhibition period, fostering a connection with their own scented journeys.

Three Sections to 'Experience Fragrance'

The introduction to the world of fragrance varies for everyone, and this exhibition is divided into three sections - "History & Culture," "Experience," and "Words" - to create a pathway to understanding.

1. Tracing Fragrance - Discovering the History and Culture of Fragrance
This section showcases the rich historical culture of scent across different eras, such as Nara, Heian, Muromachi, Edo, and Meiji during the last 1500 years. Guests can feel how fragrance played pivotal roles in these historical periods.

2. Sensing Fragrance - Exploring Incense
Japanese Kodo will present its signature and special incense products, allowing visitors to experience scents firsthand. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase selected products during the event.

3. Tasting Fragrance - Engagement with the Language of Fragrance
This segment will feature original poetic works about fragrance created by the contemporary poet Mizu Ashida. Visitors will also be encouraged to share their personal fragrance stories, creating a dialogue around scent through written expression.

Mizu Ashida

Born in 1995, Mizu Ashida hails from Osaka and engages as a writer and poet. A part-time lecturer at Osaka University, Ashida began exploring relationships between visual dominance and visibility themes in 2017. With several public performances and exhibitions to their credit, they won the 2nd Sanpuku Literary Award for an essay titled Water's Body. Currently, Ashida is engaged in residency at Wataya Besso and will unveil new works in November 2025.

Special Event on August 9

• - 11:00-12:30 - Tracing Fragrance: Talk Event - The Mysteries of Scent with a Perfumer
• - 14:00-15:30 / 16:30-18:00 - Sensing Fragrance: Workshop - Creating Your Unique Scent
• - 16:00-17:30 - Tasting Fragrance: Reading and Philosophical Dialogue - Listening to Scent: Evening
• - 19:30-21:00 - Tasting Fragrance: Reading and Philosophical Dialogue - Listening to Scent: Haze

More details about the events and registration will be available on the Wataya Besso website in the coming months.

Publication Information

Title: Japanese Fragrance
Editor: Nihon Kodo Holdings
Specifications: B5, 240 pages
Price: 4,950 yen (tax included)
Release Date: April 22, 2025
ISBN: 978-4-416-72315-9
Access the release by Seibundo Shinkosha here.

Company Information

Company Name: Nihon Kodo Holdings
Representative: Masakatsu Konaka, President
Head Office: 4-9-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo