Shoyeido Johin Zu-koh – Japanese Body Fragrance Powder 15 g

Johin Zu-koh (上品 塗香) by Shoyeido is a traditional Japanese fragrance powder designed for application to the skin. Made in Kyoto, it belongs to the family of Zu-koh (塗香), finely ground aromatic powders used without burning. Johin loosely translates as "superior quality" or "refined".

Unlike conventional Japanese incense, Johin is not lit. A small amount of powder is enough to release its warm, spicy fragrance directly on the skin.

Warm, spicy fragrance with a pronounced clove note

The traditional fragrance composition of Shoyeido Johin contains cinnamon, sandalwood, cloves and camphor. Particularly distinctive is the rich, aromatic clove note, which gives the powder its characteristic spicy intensity.

Cinnamon adds a warm, slightly sweet spiciness, while sandalwood provides a softer, woody base. Camphor contributes a fresh, aromatic facet. Together, these ingredients create a complex fragrance with a distinctly traditional Japanese character.

The ingredients mentioned are among those specified by the manufacturer. However, they do not constitute a complete list of the formula's ingredients.

Zu-koh – a distinctive Japanese fragrance tradition

Zu-koh (塗香) refers to aromatic powders that have long been used in Japan for external application. Shoyeido's fragrance blends belong to a tradition of formulations dating back approximately two centuries.

In Japanese Buddhism, such powders are traditionally associated with ritual purification practices. They are used, among other contexts, in connection with religious ceremonies and the copying of Buddhist sutras. This significance forms part of the cultural and religious background of Zu-koh and should not be interpreted as a medicinal effect.

Alongside its traditional uses, Zu-koh can also be worn as a personal body fragrance. Its distinctive feature is that the scent is released directly through the application of the fine powder, without any smoke or heating.

How to use Shoyeido Johin

Apply a small pinch of Zu-koh to the wrists or earlobes and gently spread it over the skin. This method follows Shoyeido's recommendations. The powder is used sparingly and requires neither an incense burner nor a heat source.

Johin is intended for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Features of Shoyeido Johin Zu-koh

• Manufacturer: Shoyeido
• Product: Johin (上品)
• Traditional name: Zu-koh (塗香)
• Made in: Kyoto, Japan
• Known ingredients: cinnamon, sandalwood, cloves and camphor
• Fragrance character: warm, spicy, woody and aromatic, with a pronounced clove note
• Use: Japanese body fragrance powder, used without burning
• Net contents: 15 g
• Shoyeido product number: 430171