Category: en

(The following is the English translation of the e-mail sent to our Japanese customers.)

This is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.
I hope you have been well.

We are now in the middle of Japan’s rainy season, with hot, humid days continuing. The frequent rain has made the greenery even more vibrant, and everything around us is lush and glistening. Of course, the weeds in my garden have been growing enthusiastically too! (laugh)

Last week, I traveled to Hokkaido—a part of Japan that is generally free from the rainy season—for both a business trip and an ultra marathon.

This year marked my fifth time participating in the Saroma Lake Ultra Marathon, one of Japan’s most popular ultra-distance races. The 100 km race is especially competitive; registration fills up almost immediately after it opens, making securing an entry the first challenge! Since I am not yet ready for 100 km, I entered the 50 km race instead. The 50 km and 100 km courses merge in the second half, so if I keep running steadily, I eventually meet up with friends taking on the longer distance.

For one day each year, runners are allowed to pass through the beautiful Wakka Primeval Flower Garden, located between Lake Saroma and the Sea of Okhotsk. Rare flowers bloom everywhere, as if celebrating Hokkaido’s late arrival of spring.

After running through green forests, the course opens into the vast Wakka Nature Reserve. With nothing to block the strong sea breeze, endless views of the sea and grasslands stretch before you, allowing you to experience the magnificent scale of nature.

The weather here can be unpredictable. In hot years, there is almost no shade along the course, and the sun can be relentless. A few years ago, runners were even caught in a hailstorm, with many wrapping themselves in emergency blankets—the silver thermal sheets used for disaster preparedness. That was my very first Saroma race, and to be honest, it was quite intimidating.

Last year’s race was held in temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), making it an extremely challenging run in the heat. This year, however, we were fortunate to have cloudy skies with no rain—almost ideal conditions for running.

Since I had fractured my right wrist only a month and a half earlier, I wore a protective cover over my cast and started the race carefully. Rather than thinking about the full 50 km, I decided simply to enjoy each 10 km section as it came. Just being able to stand at the starting line after my injury already felt like a gift. Gratitude replaced my usual desire to run faster, and somehow freed me from worrying about my finishing time.

As I quietly continued, singing songs to myself and taking in the scenery, I finally reached the sign marking Lake Saroma. I was only about halfway there. Although my pace wasn’t fast, I had managed to maintain a steady rhythm. Around this point, the course merged with the 100 km runners. Seeing them, I thought, “They’ve already run 75 km—and they’re still going. If they can keep going, so can I.” It was just the encouragement I needed whenever my spirits began to fade.

Along the way, I began to feel pain in my knees and in my healing wrist. At each aid station, I gratefully accepted bananas and rice balls, taking my pain medication with them before continuing on.

With about 10 km remaining, I finally met some of my fellow runners, and I realized that the end of today’s journey was drawing near. It’s strange, isn’t it? Even though every part of my body was tired and aching, a part of me kept thinking, “I don’t want this to end just yet.”

As we approached the town, more and more spectators lined the streets to cheer us on. Even slow runners like me received warm encouragement from complete strangers. Their kindness almost brought me to tears.

Just before the finish line, I heard someone shout,

“You’ve got two and a half minutes! You can finish under six hours! Go! You can do it!”

The words were meant for me—a complete stranger. Someone had noticed my time and wanted to encourage me.

I made it—just in time!

For the first time, I completed the entire 50 km without walking. I hadn’t won anything; I had simply finished the race. Yet tears came to my eyes with happiness.

Back in the changing room afterwards, my legs cramped so badly that it took me twenty minutes just to get changed! (laugh)

Business Visits Across Hokkaido

The day after the race, it was time to switch gears and begin my business trip. With a rental car, I traveled across Hokkaido, visiting customers in Kitami, Otaru, four locations in Sapporo, and Asahikawa.

One place I make sure to visit every year is Coach & Four Kitami Store. Since Memanbetsu Airport is the closest airport to both Kitami and Lake Saroma, I always stop by before or after the marathon. Not only the Kitami store but all the Coach & Four stores display our products beautifully. Every time I visit, I am reminded how much care and attention they put into presenting our incense, and I truly appreciate their continued support.

Every year I also visit Kitaichi Glass, for whom we produce original incense products. Their store is filled with beautiful glassware that creates a cool, refreshing atmosphere, and I am always impressed by the thoughtful and creative way they display our incense. Their merchandising naturally invites customers to stop, pick up the products, and enjoy discovering them. What I admire most is the sincere care they show toward every customer. Each visit gives me new ideas and inspiration.

The gentle sound of the glass wind chimes drifting through the store creates a wonderfully refreshing atmosphere. It’s almost impossible to walk past without stopping to listen.

One unexpected incident almost caused me a great deal of trouble.

Before leaving Maebashi, I had sent my suitcase ahead to my hotel in Sapporo using a parcel delivery service. Unfortunately, I accidentally wrote the delivery date one day later than my arrival date! When I realized my mistake, I panicked. Fortunately, the staff at Yamato Transport kindly helped me. Since one of their offices happened to be very close to my hotel, they brought my suitcase over themselves, saving me from a rather stressful situation. Once again, I was reminded how many kind people helped make this trip a successful one, and I felt truly grateful.

Today, the weather in Maebashi is surprisingly cool. I’m even wearing a long-sleeved cotton sweater. The weather at this time of year can change quickly, bringing cool, rainy days despite the season. I hope you will all take good care of yourselves and stay healthy.

Until next time,

(The following is the English translation of the e-mail sent to our Japanese customers.)

This is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.
I hope you have been well.

We are concerned about the effects of the approaching typhoon. Here in Maebashi, there is no strong wind today, but it has been raining continuously since last night. Just two days ago, the temperature reached 34°C (93°F), making it feel as though summer had already arrived.
Even the nemophila flowers in my garden seemed exhausted by the unexpected heat—I felt a little sorry for them.

---

At last, our new product is ready.
Beginning June 20, we will launch ZEN SEASONS, a new incense series that blends traditional fragrant woods with floral, fruity, and musk notes.
The seasons change quietly, without fanfare.
Inspired by that gentle transition, we created four agrances that softly accompany each season of the year.

From left to right:

Spring
A blend of sandalwood with a fruity sweetness, expressing “the subtle presence of blossoms unfolding in gentle sunlight.”

Summer
A combination of agarwood and refreshing lavender, inspired by “a cool and tranquil moment shimmering upon the water.”

Autumn
Agarwood paired with the delicate sweetness of osmanthus, evoking “the understated elegance drifting through the evening air.”

Winter
Sandalwood blended with soft musk, expressing “the warmth embraced by quietly falling snow.”　　　

Although it may be difficult to see in the photograph, each illustration is framed with gold foil.
The design was inspired by the view of seasonal landscapes seen through the round window of a Zen temple.
The paulownia wood box measures 120 × 85 × 20 mm and contains 40 sticks of 9 cm incense, together with an incense holder.
Suggested retail price: JPY 1,650 (tax included).

To help convey the character of each scent, we even printed a haiku on the front of the package! (laugh)
Scent samples are available, so please feel free to contact us. We believe these scents turned out beautifully.

---

There was no May edition of the YOUYOUANG Newsletter.
I had many things I wanted to report, including my participation in the Suzu Ultra Marathon, but circumstances intervened…

On May 16, while returning from trail-running practice on Mt. Haruna, I slipped on a gravel path near the summit. This photograph was taken at the top of the mountain. The azaleas had just begun to bloom, and the mountain scenery was absolutely beautiful—but this was taken only moments before my accident.

The instant I fell, I felt a sharp pain in my right hand. Using an inner shirt and a towel as a makeshift sling, I somehow managed to descend the mountain.

However, after visiting an orthopedic clinic, I learned that I had a hairline fractur my wrist.
A cast was applied immediately.

Since my wrist has been immobilized, I have been living almost entirely with my left hand.
Whenever I accidentally try to use my right hand, it still hurts.

As a result, I have been keeping emails, smartphone use, and computer work to a minimum.
Typing is especially slow these days…

In fact, I am writing this newsletter with my left hand.
It is still slow, but perhaps I am finally getting used to it.

Even with the cast, I have continued work that is less affected by the injury—business trips, meetings, accounting tasks, and placing orders by phone.

I resumed running the following week. Because my arm is fixed in place, my running companions even commented that my running form has improved!

Perhaps this is a case of “a blessing in disguise.”

I expect to spend another week or two in the cast.
Until then, I plan to continue running on flat roads and make the most of the opportunity to improve my running form.

As for trail running, I may take the rest of this year off from it.

---

The weather has been as unpredictable as the beginning of the rainy season.

Please take good care of yourselves and stay healthy.

(The following is the English translation of the e-mail sent to our Japanese customers.)

This is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.
I hope you have been well.

It is such a splendid season, when the flowers that brighten gardens and small paths seem to change week by week. Here, the cherry blossoms have completely finished, and now the tulips are taking center stage.

About two weeks ago, I went on a business trip to Tohoku (Morioka, Hanamaki, and Genbikei Gorge). Although it was for work, meeting the people who always support us and having time to talk with them is one of my great pleasures. I also enjoy driving around in a rental car and following the navigation system along unfamiliar roads. It feels like a little journey and always gives me a sense of excitement. My free time comes in the morning. In the clear morning air, I jogged to Chuson-ji Temple’s Konjikido Hall in Hiraizumi. The cherry blossoms there were in full bloom, and I felt as if I had received an unexpected gift. Within the temple grounds, wrapped in the silence of the morning, the flow of a thousand years seemed to continue as naturally as if it had only begun yesterday.

I felt the same atmosphere when I visited before, but Tohoku seems to possess an unwavering flow of time. There is something here unlike anywhere else, as if traces of the Fujiwara clan still linger in the air. Though they disappeared from the stage of history, perhaps they never truly vanished from this land, but continue to dwell quietly in the mountains, rivers, and temples. At least, that is how I imagine it. Unlike cities that continue to change in dazzling ways, Tohoku felt like a place where memories from a thousand years ago are still naturally alive today.

I hope to visit again in autumn, before the snow begins to fall.

Now then, the day before yesterday, I took part in the Suzu Ultramarathon.

The full course is normally 102 km, but because the effects of the earthquake and heavy rain still remain severe, with many roads not yet reopened, the course was shortened this year to 55 km.

Participation was also reduced to only 230 runners, and it was such a popular race that all places were filled just over an hour after registration opened.

The course is famous for its elevation gain, and once again it did not disappoint: 830 meters of climbing!

There were several extremely steep hills with gradients of around 11%, so I walked many of the uphill sections. Even so, it was quite tough. (laugh)

Somehow, I managed to finish the race. At the finish line, I received a commemorative medal drawn by children from local preschool. Even though many local residents are still facing very difficult circumstances, some of them cheered for us from temporary housing. There were moments when I had to hold back tears while running.

I also visited Suzu and Noto last autumn for the Nakanoto Trail Journey (a mountain trail-running race), and once again I felt that it is a place of calmness, quietness, and deep dignity.

What Suzu and Tohoku seem to share is this:

When a land has accumulated time, it gains the power to quietly embrace human life while nurturing a dignity found nowhere else.

This April taught me that true richness is not glamour, but something quietly cultivated over a long span of time.

Ah, dear heavens, may this lesson somehow take root within me…

(The following is the English translation of the e-mail sent to our Japanese customers.)

This is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.
I hope you have been well. After several days of rain, the weather has finally cleared, and here in the foothills of Mt. Akagi, the cherry blossoms have begun to bloom all at once.
Magnolias bloomed a little earlier, and daffodils are still at their peak, gently bringing us news of spring.

As the weather warms, one of our most popular items is our “Natural Insect Repellent Incense Stick.”
With warmer days, insects start to appear too—though not everyone welcomes them. This incense stick is about 4 mm thick and has a fresh, clean scent similar to lemongrass. Its refreshing scent helps reduce the activity of mosquitoes and small flies. It is made primarily from neem, which is said to be safe for humans and animals even with repeated use, and contains no fragrance additives, chemicals, or colorants.

Last year, we had to suspend sales of our “Insect Repellent Incense Coil” due to various circumstances, but we are pleased to announce that it will be available again this year.
Each spiral burns for about two and a half hours, making it perfect for relaxing on a balcony or deck.
Due to increased material costs, the price will be raised slightly: JPY 1,300 → JPY 1,400 (excluding tax). We sincerely apologize for this adjustment. There will be no changes to the packaging or specifications. Thank you for your understanding.

Since March, as part of our company initiative to create a more “fragrant” Instagram presence, we have started adding short traditional-style poems (tanka) to our posts.

I write them by referring to classics such as the Manyoshu, (Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, compiled in the 8th century) learning as we go (the poem in the above photo is a good example!).
Recently, I feel I’ve finally gotten a bit used to it, and I’m able to express my own feelings more naturally.
It seems I’ve found myself with yet another hobby—or task! (laugh)

Now, a notice regarding our schedule for Golden Week starting from the end of April:
(Golden Week is a series of national holidays in Japan, typically from late April to early May, when many businesses close and people travel.)

We will be closed on April 29 (national holiday), and open on Saturday, May 2.
The final shipment before the holiday will be on May 2, and we kindly ask that orders be placed by Friday, May 1.
We will then be closed for the following week and resume normal operations from May 11.

The new fiscal year has begun before we know it.
We wish you all happiness in the months ahead.
And if you have the chance, please enjoy the cherry blossoms while they are in full bloom.

(The following is the English translation of the e-mail sent to our Japanese customers.)

This is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the early days of spring.

March 8 was International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the right of women around the world to live freely, healthily, and as themselves.

When I look at the world today, I sometimes feel a tightness in my stomach when I see the news. The world situation feels frighteningly unstable, and hearing about bombings in the news is very distressing.

Even under such a harsh sky, and amid so many disappointments, I hope we can keep a small candle lit in our hearts — gently caring for ourselves and letting only love and beauty filter through into our lives.

By coincidence, I read a striking line this morning from the Japanese writer Aiko Sato, which I would like to share with you:

Even when something so sad happens that it feels as if your heart will break,
“Do not cry — in life, it is enough to remember only the beautiful things.”

Such noble and strong words. I hope I can live by them as well.

Now, on a lighter note—

Early in the morning on the day before International Women’s Day, I opened the door to answer the breakfast demands of our neighborhood cats. Unfortunately, the deck outside had frozen, and I slipped and fell quite spectacularly!

My ankle swelled up so much that I suspected a fracture, but when I went to the hospital the next day, the doctor said, “You don’t usually break a bone just by twisting your ankle. What you should watch out for is stress fractures from too much practice — they don’t always show up on X-rays.”

Don’t worry — I’m not practicing that hard at my age! (laugh)

At my usual sports shop, a familiar staff member recommended an ankle supporter. It’s only about 20 cm long and cost over 10,000 yen, but when I wear it the pain disappears completely! Now I feel fearless again, and from this morning I have been able to resume my practice little by little.

The two cats in this photo are the ones who called me outside that morning. Every day our deck is covered with their little paw prints.

I apologize if this information was not clearly communicated in our previous email. Although we discussed it in individual emails and at the exhibition, I would like to inform you again of the following.

Our popular short-size incense series currently includes:

Morning Incense – Short: “Coffee,” “Tea,” and “Gyokuro”

“Incense for Healing – Short”

“Incense of Natural Fragrant Wood– Sandalwood / Agarwood – Short”

Until now, both the inner box and the outer package were wrapped in OPP plastic bags. However, we have received feedback that the outer OPP bag makes the products slippery and difficult to stack. Therefore, starting this spring, we will gradually begin shipping them without the outer OPP bag.

For customers such as florists who prefer the outer OPP bag as a protective cover, we will of course continue to provide it upon request. Please feel free to let us know if you would like them included.

The paper used for the packaging is coated (the same as our slim-type series), making it resistant to dirt.

The Girls’ Festival (Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese celebration held on March 3 to wish for the health and happiness of girls.) has already passed in the blink of an eye.
The cedar trees are turning yellow and the air is becoming hazy by pollen — the pollen season has arrived.

Please take good care of yourselves and don’t forget your hay fever precautions!

(The following is the English translation of the e-mail sent to our Japanese customers.)

This is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.
I hope this message finds you well.

Last weekend, snowfall covered much of the Kanto region. Traveling in such unfamiliar conditions must have felt a little unsettling for many of you. Fortunately, the spring Gift Show concluded successfully before the snowy weather arrived.
It was truly a pleasure to reconnect and speak with so many people whom we do not often have the chance to meet.

Although we are still feeling the effects of the cold wave, according to the traditional Japanese calendar, it is already spring.

Today, I would like to reintroduce one of our long-selling favorites: the “Cherry Blossom Incense / Paulownia Box.”

Many of you may already be familiar with this item, but we would be delighted to present it once again. It was also featured in the “Fragrance Products Fair” section of this year’s Tokyo Gift Show invitation flyer.

This is a spring incense, wrapped in traditional washi paper and presented in a paulownia wood box.
We have captured the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom season in incense form.

• Someiyoshino: soft, gentle, and delicately sweet
• Hazakura (Cherry Tree in Leaf): a subtle, leafy aroma reminiscent of sakura-mochi (a traditional Japanese spring sweet made with rice cake wrapped in salted cherry leaves)
• Yae-zakura (Double Cherry Blossom): elegant yet light and graceful

Each variety has its own distinctive character.

The packaging itself is also full of individuality. Natural cherry branches harvested by the end of the year are carefully dried, cut to size one by one, and then attached to each paulownia box by hand.

There are many more creations we would love to introduce, and we hope to take more time to share them with you on another occasion.

The cold will soon ease—let us welcome a healthy and vibrant spring together.

It will be held at Tokyo Ariake Big Sight.

We will exhibit at “Tokyo Gift Show Spring 2023” to be held at Tokyo Big Sight on February 15, 16 and 17.

The frame is East 5 Hall, “East 5-T47-08” near the entrance.

*This is an exhibition that can only be visited by companies.

We have new products, so please come and visit us.

Thank you for visiting our website.

We are pleased to inform you that YOUYOUANG has launched Japanese and English versions websites.

We will continue to make every effort to make our website helpful and look forward to your continued support.

From the latter half of February, we have been popping up at “Tsunaguya” on the 5th floor of Shibuya Hikarie.
It is a very easy-to-understand place right in front of you when you get off the escalator.
It was planned to be held for one month, but it was well received and it was held for one month.
Thankfully, it has been extended until Mother’s Day in May.
Of course, this new product is also on display.
Please drop in when you come to Shibuya.

And for the four days from April 22nd (Friday) to 25th (Monday),
Pop-up at the event space on the first basement floor of “GRANSTA Tokyo” in Tokyo Station
We will participate in the “Recommend Market”.
Again, new products and best-selling prayer and healing series,
We are planning to develop incense gift sets in bottles that are perfect for gifts.
I would like you to pick it up and enjoy the scent.
I will be at the store on the 22nd and 25th, so please feel free to ask me about incense.
Spring is the season when new things begin. Exciting to everyone
I hope there are many.