HIBI - Japanese incense that lights like a match

Hibi is a unique creation born of the encounter between two traditional Japanese skills: the art of incense-making on the island of Awaji, renowned for its subtle fragrances, and match-making in Himeji, in the Kansai region.

A Japanese tradition with European roots

It was at the start of the Meiji era (1868) that Japan adopted European match-making techniques. Japanese matches soon became an export product renowned for their quality, particularly in the region between Kobe and Himeji. The international port of Kobe and its foreign-owned trading houses encouraged the growth of this business.

Founded in 1929 in Himeji, the Kobe Match company continues this tradition. Even today, this city remains the heart of match production in Japan, accounting for almost 70% of national production. But at a time when matches are used less and less in everyday life, Kobe Match wants to preserve and pass on this heritage.

"We have to pass on the history of matches, even if they don't play the leading role.”

With this in mind, the company is initiating creative projects around this small everyday object: retro match series, designer merchandising, and above all, the launch of Hibi.

Hibi: the poetry of everyday life

The Japanese word "hibi" (日々) means "everyday". True to this philosophy, Hibi offers a compact, practical incense that lights like a match. No need for a lighter or incense-holder: with just one rub, the fragrance is diffused for 10 minutes, for a moment of calm, inspiration or refocusing.

With its delicate scents and minimalist gestures, Hibi embodies a contemporary form of well-being, rooted in tradition but designed for modern life.

Hibi incense has won awards for innovation and quality. The match burns out in ten minutes, the scent lingers in the air for a long time.

The incense collection includes many traditional Japanese-inspired fragrances, such as Japanese cypress, sandalwood and yuzu.

Find Hibi incense in our boutique!