05/29/2026
This is my second year teaching an incense making class here on the island of Awaji at the beautiful former middle school turned creative center, 🤍 It’s an honor to have the opportunity to teach workshops here in Japan, and on Awaji, no less, an island home to the highest concentration of incense factories in Japan and the source of around 70% of the country’s incense production. There is no shortage of people here working in this field with knowledge far beyond my own.
At times, this can stir up the circular thinking of my ole friend, impostor syndrome. But my hope is that what I offer feels like a celebration of the ways Japanese craft and culture continue to be carried forward outside of Japan, with deep respect for its history, producers, and living traditions.
I don’t consider myself a traditional maker. Much like my experience of being biracial, I feel more like a hybrid ~ an evolutionary offshoot of the craft. I take this path very seriously, and I find the best way forward is slowly and intentionally: asking questions, reflecting, and remaining open to learning.
Much like my experience last year, I leave feeling inspired ~ with new directions to take, new fragrances to explore, and more to share through Fumi and my workshops. I’m deeply grateful to the people who helped make this experience possible. My biggest thanks to Taro-san for his integral support in producing these events and for sharing the magic of Awaji and all it has to offer 🙏🏼 I’m also so grateful to Mr. Ikegami of the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center for the initial introduction and coordination, and to my friend Kyoko for being the first spark that set all of this in motion 💜
I’m entering the last leg of my trip. I miss the shop, but I can also feel that familiar sadness that comes with leaving a place you love. I’ll savor it while I can.
See you soon, Portland. I’m looking forward to the shop’s first summer season.
