#Japan #Tokyo #Design Contest #Koju Group #Incense Holder

Koju Group Celebrates 450 Years with a Design Contest

In a remarkable celebration of tradition and creativity, the Koju Group has announced the winners of its Incense Holder Design Contest. This contest marks the 450th anniversary of the renowned Japanese incense manufacturer, which continues to resonate with the cultural heritage and profound craftsmanship tied to the art of incense making.

The contest's theme revolved around exploring the unique aspects of Japan's regional culture, landscape, and technology, aiming to foster a sense of tranquillity and richness through innovative designs of incense holders and diffusers. This year's contest significantly expanded its offerings by including not only traditional incense trays but also modern diffuser containers, giving participants a broader canvas for artistic expression.

The final selection for the contest took place in September 2025, where a panel of distinguished judges, comprised of notable figures from various fields, rigorously assessed the entries. From a substantial submission pool of 113 designs, 33 gems advanced to the final judging phase, demonstrating an impressive array of creativity and skill.

Award-Winning Designs

Among the nine exceptional award-winning designs, the Best Design Award went to the incense holder named “SUI,” crafted by Takayuki Matsuhashi. This piece stands out for its elegant structure, which is composed of two conical parts—one for the tray and another for the base—reflecting both simplicity and sophistication.

Excellence Recognized with Various Awards

The contest awarded three additional excellence prizes:

• - “Koyuki” by Ryoko Takahashi (Incense Tray)
• - “Ryokufu-kan” by Eiko Sawai (Diffuser)
• - “ORI” by Shingo Iwasa (Incense Tray)

Additionally, specific jury awards highlighted the outstanding talents of the participants:

• - The Conran Shop Japan Award went to “OVER Q” by Hidehiko Nagasawa (Diffuser)
• - The Discover Japan Award was bestowed upon “bloom” by Shoma Furui (Diffuser)
• - The Ri Sōko Award recognized “Yugao with Hagurosumire” by Yukika Shibata (Incense Tray)
• - The Wadayasou Award acknowledged “Koju” by Hidehiko Nagasawa (Incense Tray)
• - The Koju Award was awarded to “Koi Kokoro” by Shion Watanabe (Incense Tray)

These designs reflect a unique blend of contemporary artistry and traditional aesthetics, showcasing the participants' understanding of the essence of incense culture.

Future Display and Sales Schedule

The displayed award-winning pieces will be available for viewing starting November 18, 2025, at Koju's flagship store in Ginza, followed by their sale at the Koju Nenasaka store simultaneous with their displayed showcasing.

Exhibition Schedule:

• - November 18, 2025, to January 9, 2026 - Koju Ginza Main Store
• - January 15, 2026, to February 26, 2026 - Koju Nenasaka Store

As the contest progresses, these heartfelt and inspiring works of art will soon be accessible to the public, allowing everyone to experience the serene beauty tied to Japanese incense culture.

For further insights into the contest, visit their web page: Koju Design Contest.

About Koju Group

Koju Group, known for its historical craftsmanship in producing high-quality incense products, aims to blend traditional values with modern innovative designs. Their diverse offerings include not only classical incense but also contemporary products that appeal to today's sensibilities, allowing for a unique exploration of Japan’s fragrant heritage.