Nippon Kodo Kohden Star Anise – 40 Japanese Incense Sticks

Kohden Star Anise by Nippon Kodo is a Japanese incense with a gently sweet and elegant fragrance composition centred on star anise. Jujube and apricot kernel complement the distinctive anise note, giving this variety its own character within the Kohden series.

Made in Japan, these incense sticks are presented in a paulownia wood box. Its Karakusa design draws on a traditional Japanese ornament featuring flowing leaves and scrolling vines. The box contains 40 incense sticks without bamboo cores and a small ceramic holder.

Star anise with jujube and apricot kernel

At the heart of Kohden Star Anise is star anise, whose distinctive fragrance is incorporated into a carefully balanced composition. Nippon Kodo combines it with jujube and apricot kernel. The manufacturer describes the resulting fragrance as gently sweet and elegant.

This clearly distinguishes Star Anise from the agarwood and sandalwood varieties in the Kohden series, which emphasise woody notes. However, the complete formula is not disclosed, so no additional aromatic ingredients or spices are assumed beyond those mentioned.

Kohden – passing on aromatic traditions

The Japanese name Kohden (香伝) reflects the idea of passing on fragrances: koh means “fragrance”, while den means “to convey” or “to pass on”. For this series, Nippon Kodo drew inspiration from aromatic materials and fragrances that were once transmitted along ancient trade routes between the Orient and Japan.

These Japanese incense sticks measure approximately 14 cm in length, have no bamboo core and burn for around 30 minutes. Star Anise combines this traditional format with an unusual fragrance composition that is delicately spicy yet gently sweet.

Features of Nippon Kodo Kohden Star Anise

• Manufacturer: Nippon Kodo
• Origin: Japan
• Fragrance: gently sweet and elegant, with star anise
• Known aromatic ingredients: star anise, jujube and apricot kernel
• Contents: 40 incense sticks and 1 ceramic holder
• Length: approx. 14 cm
• Burning time: approx. 30 min per stick
• Type: Japanese incense sticks without bamboo cores
• Packaging: paulownia wood box