What is "KOUDOU"

KOUDOU (way of fragrance) is the Japanese art of appreciating incense, and involves using incense within a structure of codified conduct. Though it is counted as one of the three classical arts of refinement, it is relatively unknown amongst modern Japanese people. KOUDOU includes all aspects of the incense process from the tools (called KODOGU), which much like tools of the tea ceremony, are valued as high art, to activities such the incense-comparing games KUMIKOU and GENJIKOU.

Incense Lore includes Art, Culture, History, and Ceremony. Incense Lore can be compared to and has same of the same qualities as music, art, or literature. Incense is also an intricate part of Tea Lore, just like Calligraphy, KADOU, and Scroll Arrangement. These are five Classical Chinese Arts. Incense Lore involves natural incense woods and not artificial substitutes.