Incense Research Institute (IRI)
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Our Mission
IRI is aiming not only to do research on incense all over the world, but also to elucidate the scientific effects of incense. Through exploring incense in an authentic way, our mission is to rediscover the relationship between ancient & now, east & west, arts & sciences and heaven & earth. Consequently, we aim to create wellness in body, mind and spirit as well as a better environment on the earth.
Our Vision
Although we can find many scientific evidences from researches on aromatherapy, there is no continuous study on the effectiveness of incense. The culture of Incense existed from ancient times in many regions of the world. Unfortunately, it has almost been forgotten and neglected for a long time. IRI will try to reestablish the culture of Incense in order to enhance people's health in this stressful and hectic society.
Activities
- Planning and Organizing of Seminars, Workshops and Field Trips
- Gathering of Study Groups
- Scientific Researches on Effects of Incense
- Design Work of Incense Burners
Founding Director
Eriyo Watanabe
Supporting Members
Kunihiro Nishizawa, Producer of Life Style Department, Nikkei BP
Prof. Ryohei Kanzaki, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo
Kanzaki Lab
Prof. Ryo Furuta, Tokyo University of the Arts
Keiko Terashi, MD
Mizuko Inoue
Seminars and Workshops in 2011
"Seminar Vol. 1" on Feb. 25th
Health Effects of Fragrance
Kunihiro Nishizawa Producer, Life Style Department, Nikkei BP
"Seminar Vol. 2" on May 27th
Incense and Culture in Arabia
Mizuko Inoue Researcher on Arabic Culture
"Seminar Vol. 3" on Jun. 24th
Olfactory System and the World of Smell
Prof. Ryohei Kanzaki Research Center for Advanced Science,
the University of Tokyo
Kanzaki Lab
"Workshop Vol. 1" on Sep. 16th
Empress Komyo and Incense & Medicine of Shousouin
Atsushi Nishiyama Chief Curator, Nara National Museum
"Seminar Vol. 4" on Oct. 28th
Looking at the Fragrance
Prof. Ryou Furuta Curator, University Art Museum,
Tokyo University of the Arts
"Seminar Vol. 5" on Nov. 25th
Explore the World of Japanese Incense