The Art of Listening to Scent: KODO 2026 at IAO

The Japan–U.S. KODO Initiative will present “Listening to Scent – the art of Kōdō experience –” at The Institute for Art and Olfaction (IAO) on March 7. This rare program invites participants to experience the Japanese Way of Incense through a guided workshop, a Genjiko game, and an immersive installation.

“Listening to Scent – the art of Kōdō experience –” offers a special opportunity to encounter Kōdō, the Japanese Way of Incense, in Los Angeles. Through a guided workshop, a Genjiko (Genji Incense) game inspired by The Tale of Genji, and an installation by artist Mari Inagaki, participants are invited to “listen” to fragrance as a contemplative and embodied experience.

Kōdō emerged around 500 years ago in the same cultural milieu that gave rise to the tea ceremony and flower arrangement. Under the patronage of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, it developed into a refined art that paired fragrant woods with classical Japanese poetry. Using codified styles known as Rikkoku Gomi—the “six countries and five flavors” of incense—practitioners “listen” to incense in structured games called kumikō. One of the most cherished of these is Genjiko, which links patterns of fragrance to chapters of the 11th‑century literary classic The Tale of Genji.

This program introduces the historical and cultural background of Kōdō, key tools and manners, and how to “listen” to incense with quiet, focused attention. Participants will experience a Monko practice, in which they receive the censer and attune themselves to a single incense offering; a Genjiko session that highlights both the literary and playful aspects of Kōdō; and a Q&A segment. The total program duration is approximately 100 minutes.

An immersive installation by Mari Inagaki, featuring projection-mapped photographic works, will precede the workshop. Drawing on the Japanese concept of “listening to fragrance,” the installation weaves together visual expression and the spirit of Kōdō, encouraging participants to attend to what is subtle, unseen, and sensed rather than simply perceived.

Participation is limited to adults aged 18 and over. To preserve the integrity of the incense experience, we ask all guests to arrive scent-free and refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or strongly scented products. Because the workshop uses delicate and often high-value traditional incense tools (Kōdōgu), participants are expected to handle all items with great care and may be held responsible for damage caused by negligence. Photos, video, and/or audio may be recorded during the event and used for promotional, educational, or archival purposes.

Additional details—including important notices about risk and safety, workshop manners, clothing, and parking—will be clearly indicated on the ticketing page.

Event Details

Title: Listening to Scent – the art of Kōdō experience –

Venue: The Institute for Art and Olfaction (IAO)

Address: 932 Chung King Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Date: March 7, 2026

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (1st session) / 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (2nd session)

Seating: Chair seating (not tatami)

Tickets: Available via the Eventbride

1st Session: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/listening-to-scent-the-art-of-kodo-experience-tickets-1982085160070

2nd Session: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/listening-to-scent-the-art-of-kodo-experience-tickets-1982206251257

Parking: Street parking

Credits

Organizer: The U.S.-Japan Kodo Initiative

Supported by: NIPPON KODO