Nurture rare plants/ Share information of rare plants

As Shoyeido’s business relies heavily on harvesting natural ingredients, it is of the highest priority for us to actively engage in activities to promote the nurturing of rare plants.

Foster rare plants in the local area

We subscribe to Ex situ conservation in which we nurture rare plants that thrive in our local area.

Exhibit rare plants at Shoyeido stores

We raise and nurture rare plants at our Nagaokakyo factory, and exhibit them at Shoyeido stores in hopes of raising people’s awareness to the earth’s environment.

Publish posters on rare plants

To introduce and showcase rare plants that grow in Kyoto prefecture, we provide our customers informational posters each quarter. We also display these posters in our Shoyeido stores.

Clean-up campaign for habitat of indigenous rare plant

Ogurakouhone-Nuphar oguraensis is a perennial plant of the water-lily family, and spreads yellow flowers from June to September. This plant is designated as a protected species in Kyoto, along with being listed on the endangered list of the Ministry of Environment in Japan. As a designated rare species of wild plant, it only grows in two areas of Kyoto prefecture – Nagaokakyo and Chutan. With the cooperation of a local environmental group, Shoyeido has been actively diligent in cleaning up the plant’s habitat.

Previously, the habitat was badly tainted - marred by litter, empty cans, and plastic waste. Each year, we have been working to clean the terrain by the river to express our thankfulness for nature, and to recognize the importance and commitment of contributing to society through environmental activities among our employees.

The river had become compromised by an accumulation of litter that was collected and removed by Shoyeido employees.

Ultimately, the river’s water became clear and unencumbered, where the habitat prospered and the flowers blossomed in summer.

Nurturing and Exhibiting Fujibakama-Eupatorium japonicum

Fujibakama, Eupatorium japonicum, is a perennial plant that grows from 1-2 meters along river banks. When dried, it emits a distinctive, characteristic fragrance that is said to have been embraced by people in China since ancient times. Artists in Japan have written poetry that was derived from Fujibakama, and the plant was highlighted for the name of chapters in The Tale of Genji. Japanese people have long been devoted to this plant, and while it was once widespread throughout the country, it is not often seen today.

• Designated as an endangered species on Kyoto red list
• Designated as an near-threatened species (NT) on red list of Ministry of the Environment, Japan

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  Preparing cuttings

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  Herbaceous cutting

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  Planting out

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  Fertilizing

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  Nurturing

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  Exhibiting at stores

Cooperation with local communities

Shoyeido has been participating in an exhibition featuring “Fujibakama and Indigenous Flowers of Japan,” which has been sponsored by a public interest-incorporated foundation since 2009. As Shoyeido was certified by Kyoto city government as a company that is active in contributing to conserving and promoting the creation and culture of Kyoto, we continue to be engaged in environmental conservation activities with local communities.

An incense holder made from soil

When garden soil is produced, small amounts of particulate sand in soil are removed, which are commonly disposed of as industrial waste. Using proprietary technology, Shoyeido has succeeded in utilizing this component to make an incense holder that is included in many of our products , thus reducing and reusing potential industrial waste. This incense holder also absorbs tar that can be emitted from incense, and is effective for reducing staining of incense trays.

Products including incense holder made from soil

• Horin (20-stick and 80-stick versions)
• Floral World
• Incense Road (except for 120-stick version)
• Xiang Do (except for 120-stick version)
• Kunro

Incense and sachet made from Fujibakama’s leaves

The “Incense of Fujibakama” is made from the leaves of Fujibakama-Eupatorium Japonicum, which have been nurtured by people in the Mizuo area of Kyoto city. Fujibakama naturally grows taller than a human, and to adjust the height and flowering time, local people in the Mizuo area prune the plant once in the rainy season. Leaves that are trimmed are then dried and used for making incense.