Listening to Scent at Albion Garden: Thank You for Joining Us

To everyone who joined us for our recent Listening to Scent KODO sessions at Albion Garden in Los Angeles on May 14, 2026 - thank you.

Following the warm response to our March programs across Los Angeles, it was meaningful to gather once again for another day of shared attention, quiet discovery, and connection through scent. Across both sessions, we welcomed returning guests as well as many first-time participants, all coming together to experience the traditional Japanese art of KODO in an intimate and thoughtful setting.

Throughout the day, guests were invited to slow down and engage with fragrance in a different way - not simply to smell, but to truly “listen” to scent. In a world that moves quickly and constantly demands our attention, it was special to witness so many people fully immerse themselves in moments of stillness, concentration, and curiosity.

During the sessions, participants explored the philosophy and history of KODO while taking part in guided incense listening exercises and the classical Genjikō incense game inspired by The Tale of Genji. What often begins as a quiet sensory experience gradually becomes something surprisingly interactive: guests leaning in, comparing impressions, second-guessing themselves, and discovering just how subtle and expressive fragrance can be.

We are especially grateful to those who made time to join us at Albion Garden and help create such a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. Your openness and participation are what make these programs memorable and meaningful.

As interest in KODO continues to grow, we remain honored to share this centuries-old Japanese tradition with communities here in Los Angeles. Experiences like these are rare outside of Japan, and it is encouraging to see so many people curious to engage with incense not simply as fragrance, but as culture, art, and practice.

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Share Your Experience

If you attended the event, we would also love to hear your reflections or see any photos from the sessions. Your support and shared experiences help us continue building awareness and appreciation for the art of KODO.

You can follow and tag us on social media here:

Instagram: @u.s._kodo_initiative, @nipponkodo_usa

Facebook: @NipponKodoUSA

TikTok: @nipponkodo

Thank you again for being part of Listening to Scent at Albion Garden. We deeply appreciate your presence.

The Japan-U.S. KODO Initiative

Hosted in partnership with Nippon Kodo