Have You Ever Heard of 「Frankincense」?

If you enjoy aromatherapy or skincare, you may have come across the name before.

Known as “Nyukō” (乳香) in Japan, frankincense is a remarkable natural resin that has been treasured for more than 5,000 years, deeply woven into human prayer, daily life, and culture across the world.

In ancient Egypt, it was burned in temples as a sacred incense. In ancient Rome, it was valued as a precious commodity and traded across vast distances. Throughout the Middle East, its fragrance has been passed down through generations as part of everyday life, hospitality, and special occasions.

Once considered as valuable as gold, frankincense has long been known as “the jewel of fragrance.”

Through our Frankincense Journal, we invite you to discover the fascinating history, heritage, and enduring allure of this extraordinary treasure.

Frankincense - A Gift from the Trees

Frankincense is a natural resin harvested from Boswellia, a tree belonging to the Burseraceae family and native to arid regions including Oman, Yemen, and Somalia.

Its harvesting is an ancient craft passed down through generations. Small incisions are carefully made in the bark, allowing a milky-white sap to slowly emerge from the tree. Over time, the sap hardens into small droplets of resin, ranging from creamy white to translucent in appearance.

This is frankincense.

Because it is shaped by nature, no two pieces are exactly alike. Their color, fragrance, and form reflect the unique character of the land in which they grew.

Why Is It Called “Frankincense”?

The English word “frankincense” is believed to have originated from Old French.

“Frank” is associated with meanings such as pure or noble, while “incense” refers to a substance burned for its fragrance.

Together, the name evokes the idea of a noble and precious fragrance.

True to its name, frankincense has been reserved for sacred and special occasions throughout history.

A Sacred Fragrance Loved by Ancient Civilizations

The history of frankincense is intertwined with the rise of ancient civilizations.

In ancient Egypt, it was treasured as a sacred fragrance burned in temples. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was regarded as a valuable luxury commodity, transported across great distances along historic trade routes.

Throughout the Middle East, traditions of enjoying frankincense have continued into the present day, particularly when welcoming guests or marking special occasions.

Frankincense is also believed to have reached Japan as early as the Nara and Heian periods, becoming part of the country’s long history of appreciating precious aromatic materials.

We will explore this fascinating connection between frankincense and Japan in a future edition of the Journal.

Frankincense was never simply a fragrance.

It became a bridge between people, cultures, and civilizations.

Oman’s Frankincense — A Treasure the World Has Long Admired

Among the many regions where frankincense is harvested, Salalah in southern Oman has long been renowned for producing some of the world’s finest frankincense.

Located in Dhofar, Salalah possesses a rare natural environment in which frankincense trees can thrive. Its dry climate, distinctive geology, seasonal humidity, and unique natural conditions come together over many years to nurture exceptionally aromatic resin.

In particular, frankincense harvested from Boswellia sacra is highly regarded around the world.

From ancient times to the present day, the frankincense of Oman has continued to captivate people across generations.

Frankincense — An Invitation to Savor the Moment

Today, frankincense is enjoyed in many forms, from aromatherapy and perfumes to contemporary fragrances.

Yet perhaps its greatest beauty lies beyond the fragrance itself.

A moment to breathe in its aroma.

A moment to slow down and take a deeper breath.

A moment to reconnect with yourself.

In the midst of a busy life, these moments create a small space for stillness.

The ancient tradition of taking time to appreciate fragrance can offer us a different kind of richness today - a moment to pause, to breathe, and simply be.

A New Encounter with Frankincense, by O[wa]

O[wa] Luxury Frankincense Candy is crafted with generous amounts of Royal Hojari Frankincense from Salalah, Oman, and carefully finished piece by piece by skilled Japanese candy artisans.

What we wish to offer is more than simply a frankincense candy.

It is the story of a treasure cherished for more than 5,000 years.

The fragrance born from the land of Oman.

And the quiet moment of slowly savoring a single Pearl.

All of these are brought together in one small, precious piece.

A Journey of Fragrance, Beginning with a Single Pearl

For thousands of years, frankincense has accompanied people through their daily lives, cultures, and prayers.

Within its fragrance lies the memory of the land and stories carried across generations.

In the midst of our busy everyday lives, there are moments when we can simply pause.

A moment to breathe in the fragrance.

A moment to savor.

A moment to reconnect with ourselves.

Through frankincense, O[wa] seeks to bring you this quiet sense of richness.

Inspired by frankincense’s heritage as “the jewel of fragrance,” O[wa] Pearl was named after the beauty and preciousness of a pearl.

A pearl of frankincense.

May it accompany you in those quiet moments of everyday life.