The Art of Listening to Scent: KODO 2026 | ALBION GARDEN

The Japan–U.S. Kodo Initiative will present “Listening to Scent: The Art of KODO Experience” at the ALBION Garden (Abbot Kinney, CA) on May 14, 2026.

This immersive program introduces KODO, the Japanese Way of Incense, through a guided workshop, a Genjiko (Genji Incense) game based on The Tale of Genji. Participants will be invited to “listen” to fragrance as a contemplative, embodied experience.

The event will include:

1) History of KODO

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

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) Q & A

Time for participants to ask questions about KODO, its contemporary relevance, and its connection to broader artistic and cultural practices.

(Total: Approx. 70-80min.)

To complement the experience, curated music will be played through Balmuda speakers, creating a subtle and immersive atmosphere. We hope you look forward to it!

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Title
Listening to Scent – The Art of KODO Experience –
Venue
ALBION Garden
Seating
The workshop will use chair seating (not tatami).

Included with Ticket
Each participant will receive:

• One complimentary beverage from the ALBION Garden Café
• A small souvenir gift (Japanese incense by Nippon Kodo)

(Details of the drink selection and specific incense item will be announced soon.)

The Japan–U.S. KODO Initiative is an independent cultural initiative dedicated to expanding awareness of KODO through artistic and cultural exchange. By exploring KODO 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, KODO 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 KODO.
Yasuyo Konaka serves as incense master and writer, with extensive experience conducting KODO 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 KODO-related events and publications, including Japanese Incense (Seibundo Shinkosha). He is President and Representative Director of Nippon Kodo Holdings Co., Ltd.

Website
https://www.kodous.org/
Instagram
@u.s._kodo_initiative
Hashtag
#ListeningToScent

Eligibility: 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.

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.

Assumption of Risk:

Participants understand and accept the following risks:

Burn Risks: Use of hot charcoal and heated incense burners (censers).

Environmental Hazards: Dimly lit areas and potential for tripping.

Health Sensitivities: Inhalation of incense smoke and botanical aromas.

Personal Property: The organizers are not responsible for the theft or loss of personal belongings.

Property Care & Responsibility: 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.

Manners during the Incense Ceremony:

- Please refrain from wearing perfume or other strongly scented products.

- If you notice that the incense wood is not centered on the mica plate, do not attempt to adjust it yourself. (It is very hot.) Please inform the host.

- When listening to incense, focus quietly and avoid unnecessary conversation.

- Do not confer with other participants about your answers before turning in the answer sheet during the Genjiko game.

- If possible, please remove watches, rings, and bracelets to avoid scratching the censer or tools.

To maintain the quiet and contemplative atmosphere of the ceremony, late arrivals will only be admitted up to 10 minutes after the scheduled start time. After this point, entry will be strictly refused to avoid disturbing the experience for other participants.

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or credits will be issued for late arrivals, no-shows, or participants refused entry due to non-compliance with the Scent-Free Policy.
*Please note that the event may be canceled if the minimum number of participants (five) is not reached 48 hours before the scheduled start time. In such a case, we will contact registered participants individually and issue a full refund.

Clothing and Seating:

Casual clothing is welcome. Because of the delicate incense tools, we recommend removing rings and bracelets where possible.

The event will be held with chair seating, not on tatami.

Parking:

Street parking and parking structures are available in the area.

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Host or Publisher The Japan–U.S. KODO Initiative