Why not experience a story of fragrance that spans a thousand years at our salon in Ura-Ginza?
The incense producer of "Bridge and Blend" will be holding a special workshop to revive the incense blending of the Heian period in modern times. Experience the "Japanese scent" that has been passed down since ancient times, create your own "Tale of Genji scent", and spend a luxurious time to calm your mind.

・100% natural incense ingredients sourced from all over the world - Luxurious use of the precious ingredient "agarwood" ・Express yourself in your own way, different from pre-made products ・Having held workshops in Singapore, New York, and Paris, you can learn not only the basics of incense in Japan, but also the incense scene overseas.

Behind the glamour of its name, Uraginza is a town that hides a unique atmosphere woven by the waves of modernization and a continuous history dating back to the Edo period. Its origins date back to the group of samurai residences that were built here by the Edo Shogunate as it promoted the city planning of Edo. The quiet and orderly appearance of the samurai residences underwent a major transformation amid the rapid changes that occurred after the Meiji Restoration.

In the Meiji era, the area around Uraginza, especially the Tsukiji area, developed remarkably as a fish market, a major artery supporting Japan's food culture. The spirited voices that echoed from early in the morning and the bustle of the lively market established a strong downtown atmosphere in this area. The sight of people seeking fresh seafood and the energetic middlemen working there is proof that Edo's common people's culture is still alive in the present day.

Meanwhile, during the Meiji period, this area also became an important stage that is indispensable when talking about Japan's modernization. With the surrounding area designated as a foreign settlement, Western culture, technology, and ideas began to flow into Japan through this area. It was a pioneering area for Dutch studies research, and many mission schools were established here, building the foundations of modern education in Japan. St. Luke's International Hospital, which became a base for Western medicine, still exists here today and provides advanced medical care.

In this way, Uraginza is a unique place that has developed through a complex intertwining of the vitality of the common people that has continued since the Edo period and the shocking encounter with Western culture in the Meiji period. The bustle of the fish market, the tranquility of historical temples and shrines, and the exotic architecture all coexist and harmonize seamlessly to create a unique landscape and culture that transcends time. Like multiple layers of history, each visit will provide new discoveries and deep impressions. The charm of this town, woven together by tradition and innovation, is too diverse to be summed up in a single word.

More than a thousand years have passed since The Tale of Genji, and it continues to fascinate people even today. Enjoy creating an old yet new Japanese fragrance that blends with modern life while imagining the scenes from the story, based on the blending of the Six Kinds of Incense (mukusa no takimono), a representative fragrance of the Heian period that colored the elegant world of the story. You can take the completed incense home with you on the day of the experience, along with a memento of the day.

In the workshop, precious 100% natural fragrance ingredients such as agarwood, sandalwood, and cloves are delivered from all over the world. We pick up each ingredient one by one, carefully feeling their characteristics and profound fragrance with all five senses, and proceed with the blending as if kneading fragrant clay. We use rare agarwood lavishly, paying respect to the ancient art of perfumery.

Experience the process of carefully creating each fragrance by hand. Even if the same fragrance is used as the base, subtle differences in the temperature of your hands and the amount of water added can create a unique fragrance that is different from that of the person sitting next to you - this is the depth that can only be achieved through handmade work. The joy of self-expression, entrusting your feelings to the incense in a shape of your choice without being bound by preconceived notions. The time spent thinking about the shape to create is also one of the creative pleasures. Enjoy a relaxing moment, as your mind and body are freed, surrounded by the nostalgic scent of the Heian period.

Beginners are also welcome to participate. The instructor will carefully explain the history of incense, its ingredients, and how to burn it in an easy-to-understand manner. You will experience the prestigious world of incense up close and personal, and be guided to a "life with incense" that incorporates rich aromas into your daily life.

The history of "Japanese fragrance" is carefully unraveled in six periods, from the sunken agarwood that washed ashore on Awaji Island in 595, to the Nara period when fragrances and incense utensils were introduced to Japan, the Heian period when aristocrats first created uniquely Japanese fragrances, the Muromachi period when the art of incense was born, the Edo period when Japan's fragrance culture permeated the lives of alcoholics, and up to the present day.

"Bridge and Blend" is an incense brand that values ​​sustainability. In addition to a deep understanding of natural fragrances, our instructor, who has experience at a fragrance company, will provide a unique perspective to deepen your learning about the sustainability of fragrances, not just the world of incense. Through these learning experiences, you will not only gain an understanding of the depth of "Japanese fragrances," but also gain an awareness of a sustainable future and hints for a life rich in fragrance.

In recent years, the delicate fragrances unique to Japan have begun to attract attention from around the world. At Bridge and Blend, we hope to rediscover the value of the traditional fragrances that the Japanese have cherished and nurtured, and to pass on the charm of "Japanese fragrances" that have been passed down since ancient times to the future.

Since 2015, we have been holding regular small-group workshops in major cities both in Japan and overseas, including Singapore, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, and Paris, which have proven to be well attended by many people. We will guide you through the world of incense from various countries and cultures, as well as the elegant fragrances that appear in The Tale of Genji. Depending on the flow of the workshop, we may also hear about the evaluation of "Japanese fragrances" overseas and introduce precious incense from various countries that have been collected by incense producers.

Throughout the workshop, we place emphasis on the experience of putting into words the impressions and feelings of each individual scent. By exchanging impressions of the scents with fellow participants, we aim to enrich your own sensibilities, to express "Japanese scents" in your own words, and to create an opportunity to share them with those around you.

Why not try this out for yourself, imagine what the Heian people were like, and take part in an activity that will connect the "fragrance of Japan" that was born 1,000 years ago to the next 1,000 years?

The incense brand "Bridge and Blend" will be released through crowdfunding on April 18th, 2021, "Incense Day."
The collection "Six in Sense" is inspired by the fragrances that represent the Heian period, and offers old and new "Japanese fragrances" that fit into modern life, with a focus on 100% natural fragrance ingredients, handmade products, and sustainability.
Winner of the 2023 Omotenashi Selection. Currently, in addition to its own e-commerce site, it is also sold in two stores in the United States, conveying the charm of traditional Japanese culture to people all over the world.
In this busy digital age, we offer the luxury of travelling back in time with the analogue act of lighting incense, allowing you to calm your mind.

Incense Producer Hiro Nakayama | Hiro Nakayama

Having experienced a decline in his sense of smell, he realized the importance of scent, and in 2013 he founded "Project Felicia," a platform that explores the possibilities of scent.
She has worked in the marketing and human resources industries in Japan and overseas, including in New York, and served as marketing manager at Givaudan, the largest fragrance company in Japan.
After living overseas for over 20 years, he relocated to Japan in 2017 and is currently pursuing a dual career, working for a foreign IT company while also being involved in the fragrance business.

On April 18, 2021 (Incense Day), we launched "Bridge and Blend," an incense brand inspired by the scents that were born during the time of the Tale of Genji.
We are currently promoting activities to connect the "Japanese fragrance" that was born 1,000 years ago to the next 1,000 years through experiences (workshops) and hands-on experiences (products).
Bilingual in Japanese and English, her hobbies are traveling and diving.