A new course focused on the art of creating incense is set to launch in Japan. The Japan Candle Association (JCA) will begin offering the "JCA Certified Incense Craft Course" starting April 17, 2026, with classes held at both its Tokyo and Osaka locations.
The JCA, known for its work promoting candle culture and "a life with light," is broadening its scope to encompass "a life with scent." The new course approaches incense not just as a fragrance product, but as a craft medium — one that incorporates elements of color, form, and design.
From Candles to Incense: Expanding the Craft
The JCA has previously offered one-day incense workshops that drew strong interest, with many participants requesting a more in-depth curriculum. In response, the association developed this comprehensive course covering everything from foundational techniques to more advanced application.
The course combines the JCA's background in candle craft with knowledge of fragrance, proposing a new creative territory where scent can be designed alongside visual aesthetics.
Course Overview
- Course name: JCA Certified Incense Craft Course
- Start date: April 17, 2026 (Friday)
- Number of sessions: 8 sessions total
- Duration per session: Approximately 2 hours
- Tuition: ¥96,000 (excluding tax)
- Locations: Tokyo / Osaka
What the Course Covers
The curriculum is structured to take participants from the basics of incense all the way through to practical production skills. Topics include the fundamentals of fragrance materials, blending balance, shaping techniques, and an understanding of combustion characteristics. Participants will learn to create multiple forms — including tablet, cone, and stick varieties — and work through burning tests and adjustments as part of the curriculum.
Throughout the process, participants choose their own scents, colors, and designs, resulting in a one-of-a-kind incense they can take home. The skills learned are also applicable to product development, side ventures, or brand-building. The course also opens possibilities for combining incense and candles in spatial presentations or workshops.
Course Highlights
What sets this course apart is its integration of incense crafting with visual design thinking — participants learn to express incense through color, shape, and aesthetic sensibility, not just scent. The curriculum is grounded in the JCA's safety-conscious approach to craft instruction, while weaving in contemporary design perspectives alongside traditional fragrance culture.
The course is open to beginners, and the structured, practice-based curriculum allows participants to build skills progressively — from hobbyist use to creative pursuits.
Supervised by Historic Fragrance Brands
The course content was developed under the supervision of two long-established Japanese incense brands belonging to the Kameyama Group: Koukandou (founded 1883) and Shouchikudou Koho (founded 1940). Both brands are rooted in Awaji Island, the birthplace of Japanese incense, and bring deep expertise in traditional blending techniques. The curriculum blends this historical craftsmanship with a modern approach suited to today's lifestyles.
Who the Course Is For
- Candle artists and creators
- Handmade craft artists
- Anyone interested in scent and incense
- Those looking to learn new creative skills
The JCA plans to expand its incense-related certification programs and advanced courses following this launch, working toward creating a culture that brings moments of calm to everyday life through both candlelight and scent.
