Listening to Scent: The Art of Kōdō Experience

The Japan–U.S. KODO Initiative presents an immersive program introducing Kōdō, the Japanese Way of Incense, through a guided workshop, a Genjiko (Genji Incense) game based on The Tale of Genji, and an installation by artist Mari Inagaki. Participants will be invited to “listen” to fragrance as a contemplative, embodied experience.

There will be a session at 12pm and one at 3:30pm, both with limited seating.

About Kōdō – The Japanese Way of Incense

Kōdō, or the Way of Incense, emerged around 500 years ago in Japan, in the same cultural milieu that gave rise to the tea ceremony and flower arrangement.

Under the patronage of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Kōdō developed as a refined art form that paired fragrant woods with classical Japanese poetry. Using codified styles known as Rikkoku Gomi (the “six countries and five flavors” of incense), practitioners “listen” to incense in structured games called kumikō.

One of the most beloved of these is Genjiko (Genji Incense), inspired by the 11th-century literary classic The Tale of Genji. Participants identify and record subtle differences in fragrance, linking each pattern to chapters of the tale.

In Kōdō, people say they “listen to incense” rather than “smell it.” The practice emphasizes attention, observation, and quiet concentration. For this reason, Kōdō has recently attracted interest in Japan and France as a form of mindfulness rooted in classical culture.

Participants will experience:

KODO Installation by Mari Inagaki
An immersive installation featuring projection-mapped photographs by artist Mari Inagaki will precede the workshop. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “listening to fragrance,” the work brings together visual expression and the spirit of Kōdō, inviting participants to tune their attention to what is subtle, unseen, and sensed rather than simply perceived.

History of KODO
An introduction to the historical and cultural background of Kōdō, its relationship to tea ceremony and other traditional arts, and its development as a classical Japanese practice.

About KODO & How to Enjoy KODO
A guided explanation of key concepts, tools, and manners in Kōdō, including how to “listen” to incense with focused, quiet awareness.

Monko Experience
A focused “listening to incense” practice in which participants receive the censer, bring it close, and quietly attune to the fragrance. This portion of the workshop emphasizes posture, breathing, and attentive listening to a single incense offering, introducing the core contemplative experience at the heart of Kōdō.

A 10-minute Intermission

Genjiko Experience
A participatory Genjiko session in which guests experience fragrant woods, record their impressions, and engage with the literary and playful aspects of this classical incense game.

Participants will receive a small incense gift and an introductory handout about Kōdō.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

The Japan–U.S. KODO Initiative is an independent cultural initiative dedicated to expanding awareness of Kōdō through artistic and cultural exchange. By exploring Kōdō in dialogue with contemporary art, the initiative seeks to create new points of connection between this classical Japanese practice and audiences in the United States.

While arts such as the tea ceremony and flower arrangement are widely recognized, Kōdō remains a relatively hidden gem of Japanese culture. Through education, presentation, and creative collaboration, the initiative aims to share the depth, beauty, and contemporary relevance of the Way of Incense with a broader international community.

The initiative is guided by practitioners of the Oie-ryu School of Kōdō.

Yasuyo Konaka serves as incense master and writer, with extensive experience conducting Kōdō incense gatherings in Japan and abroad, as well as leading international workshops and educational programs.

Masayoshi Konaka oversees program direction and cultural programming, and has produced Kōdō-related events and publications, including Japanese Incense (Seibundo Shinkosha). He is President and Representative Director of Nippon Kodo Holdings Co., Ltd.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mari Inagaki is a Japanese artist working primarily in medium-format film photography. She explores social themes through cross-cultural perspectives. Her practice extends into installation and sensorial elements, inviting reflective, embodied engagement beyond the visual.

IMPORTANT PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Participation is limited to adults aged 18+.

Scent-Free Policy
To preserve the integrity of the incense experience, please arrive scent-free. Do not wear perfume, cologne, or use strongly scented lotions, hair products, oils, or sprays. If a participant’s scent interferes with the workshop, organizers may refuse entry or ask them to leave without a refund.

Attendance and Refund Policy
This is an in-person class that will take place at the Institute for Art and Olfaction. We encourage you to show up 15 minutes before class to settle in and experience the art installation in the gallery. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or credit for this class. Note also that event tickets are non-transferable.

Assumption of Risk
Participants understand and accept the following risks:
There will be use of hot charcoal and heated incense burners (censers); Dimly lit areas and potential for tripping; Inhalation of incense smoke and botanical aromas. The organizers are not responsible for the theft or loss of personal belongings. The workshop uses specialized and often high-value traditional Japanese incense tools (Kōdōgu). Participants are expected to handle all items with great care. Participants may be held financially responsible for any damage, breakage, or loss caused by negligence, recklessness, or failure to follow instructions. There will be a waiver to be signed at the beginning of the class (a copy will be sent with your Eventbrite confirmation email, for your review).

Media Release and Consent
Photos, video, and/or audio may be recorded during the workshop. By participating, attendees grant the organizers permission to use their likeness, image, and voice in these recordings for promotional, educational, or archival purposes, in any medium, in perpetuity, without compensation.

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