Cycle Of Scent 01 : Back To Our Roots

Ohigan (literally “the other shore”) is a Japanese Buddhist tradition observed during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when day and night are nearly equal in length. It is believed that during these times, the world of the living and the realm of the ancestors draw closest together. 

From this belief arose a custom, dating back to the Nara period (early 9th century), of expressing gratitude, offering prayers to ancestors, and honoring nature. 

Sun, our Amaterasu 

Connecting spirit with ancestors

When the world of the living 

And the other shore draw closest

Hinoki—the sacred tree of the sun

Guides us with her Shinto note

Cycle Of Scent 01

To listen to the Earth’s natural rhythm, we have created a scent made from 100% natural ingredients, featuring Hinoki cypress wood (Chamaecyparis obtusa) that celebrates the Autumn Equinox 2025.

In Japan, Hinoki has been revered as a sacred tree since ancient times. Its name echoes the sound hi, meaning “sun,” linking it to Shinto belief. In this tradition, Japan’s most important kami, Amaterasu—the sun goddess—is regarded as embodying the spirit of the nation. Her home, the Ise Grand Shrine, has been rebuilt every twenty years using Hinoki since 690 CE in her honor.

Hinoki was first introduced to the West by Philipp Franz von Siebold, a German physician, botanist, and traveler who played a key role in bringing Japanese flora and botanical culture to Europe. He published Flora Japonica in 1835, where Hinoki was documented. Hinoki creates a gentle presence, promoting calmness while naturally protecting against bacteria and unwanted odors thanks to its powerful antibacterial properties.

Top note: Black Tea, White Ginger Lily

Heart note: Japanese Hinoki, Fir

Base note: Japanese Hiba, Amyris Sandalwood, Bois de Siam