A Match made in Himeji: 10 Aromatic Minutes

What do you get when you combine decades of experience making matches with centuries of aromatic culture? A match made in Himeji. (Kobe Match)

The burning of incense is a Japanese tradition that goes back centuries. Walk the streets of any Japanese town and you will be sure to smell the characteristic fragrance whenever you pass by any local temple.

In the west of Japan lies the city of Himeji. The city is known by domestic and foreign tourists alike for its expansive castle. One lesser known fact about the city is that the Harima district on the cities outskirts manufactures 90% of all matches produced in Japan.

So what happens when you combine decades of expertise making matches with a long history of fragrance appreciation? Well, it’s a perfect match.

The artisans at Kobe Match combined a century of matchmaking expertise with Japan’s traditional incense culture. (Kobe Match)

The Kobe Match company has been making matches for nearly a century, refining their expertise to a point. In 2015, the workshop partnered with a local fragrance maker to create an entirely new kind of matchstick — one not meant to light anything else, but simply give off its own desirable fragrance.

These are the hibi 10 minutes aroma incense sticks.

They ignite like regular matches — no lighter required — after which they can be placed on the included plate to burn for approximately 10 minutes. The maker has developed a dozen or so different fragrances — some familiar and others rather characteristic of Japan. Below are a few of our favorites:

Kobe Match has crafted a number of unique aromas to enjoy. (Kobe Match)

• Japanese cypress

• Yuzu citrus

• Oak moss

• Cedar wood

A range of configurations are available, including packs that would be just perfect for a small, fragrant gift.

The matches make for a perfect gift for someone special. (Kobe Match)