Powerswood Breath Black Persimmon (Made in Japan) Brown Round [br-g9055]

◇What is "Benihi"?

This cypress is native to Taiwan and is also known as Taiwanese red cypress.
Old trees are sometimes called old cypress.
It is lighter and softer than domestic cypress and has a finer grain.
It has a unique fragrance and the heartwood is pale reddish brown to reddish yellow, while the sapwood is narrow and yellowish gray.
It is a familiar and sacred wood that is used in temples and Buddhist statues.
Alishan National Scenic Area is home to giant trees that are over 1,000 years old and are now protected as sacred trees.

◇What is "Red Sandalwood"?

Red sandalwood is a type of famous fine wood, and its material is full of a sense of weight.
It is characterized by its beautiful, translucent red appearance and is native mainly to Indonesia.
It is highly durable and does not deteriorate easily even with continued use, and because it contains a small amount of oil, it develops a unique texture with use.

◇What is the "Godaisan Dragon Tree (Rokudo Tree)"?

Mount Wutai is one of the world's five major Buddhist holy sites and the top of China's four major Buddhist mountains. It is considered a sacred place for Manjusri Bodhisattva.
It is a honeysuckle tree that originates from the sacred Mount Wutai and has lines that represent the six realms of reincarnation (the three good realms of heaven, humanity, and Asura, and the three evil realms of animals, hungry ghosts, and hell).
The path is also said to be the path where dragons descend, and is considered to be auspicious.
It is not widely available, and for this reason it is a popular gift item locally.

◇What is the "Godaisan Dragon Tree (Rokudo Tree)"?

Mount Wutai is one of the world's five major Buddhist holy sites and the top of China's four major Buddhist mountains. It is considered a sacred place for Manjusri Bodhisattva.
It is a honeysuckle tree that originates from the sacred Mount Wutai and has lines that represent the six realms of reincarnation (the three good realms of heaven, humanity, and Asura, and the three evil realms of animals, hungry ghosts, and hell).
The path is also said to be the path where dragons descend, and is considered to be auspicious.
It is not widely available, and for this reason it is a popular gift item locally.

◇What is "Ancient Camphor"?

The name camphor tree is said to come from the word "medicinal tree," and its characteristic, sublime fragrance has been used as a painkiller since ancient times.
The scent is said to ward off evil spirits and bad luck and to bring good fortune, and it is also highly effective as an insect repellent, so it is often used on Buddhist statues and other items.
It has a stronger fragrance than regular camphor and has a strong camphor flavor, which is a characteristic of ancient camphor trees that are old.
Camphor is also the birthday wood for June.

◇What is a chestnut burl?

Chestnut burl is also an excellent wood and is considered a fine wood.
It is a ring-porous wood with a strong grain that becomes shiny when polished, and is said to be hard, elastic, and less likely to warp.
It has excellent preservation properties and is highly resistant to moisture, so it has long been used for the foundations of wooden houses.
Furthermore, it has been treasured as one of the few materials that can be used without the use of preservatives.
Because of this characteristic, it is said that if you keep a chestnut tree nearby, it will keep growing without rotting, and many people keep them as ornamental decorations.
It has a unique pattern called burl grain, and is second only to the rosewood burl in value and popularity.

◇What is "Kumano Hongu Hinoki"?

This tree is harvested in Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is located.
Kumano Hongu Taisha is the center of the Kumano Sanzan (Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi Taisha), and is the head shrine of the more than 4,700 Kumano shrines across the country.
The main deity enshrined here is Ketsumiko no Okami, who is the same god as Susanoo no Mikoto in Japanese mythology.
In the past, he was called Kumanoza Okami, "the god who resides in Kumano."
He is also the god of trees who created the land of trees (Kinokuni) by plucking out the hair of his own body.The cypress and building materials of the shrine, which is a national important cultural property, are said to have been harvested from the main shrine.

◇What is "Kumano Hongu Shii"?

This tree is harvested in Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is located.
Kumano Hongu Taisha is the center of the Kumano Sanzan (Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi Taisha), and is the head shrine of the more than 4,700 Kumano shrines across the country.
There is a custom passed down in the former Motomiya town of decorating New Year's pine trees, and it is said that if a tree with straight, beautiful branches is used, the house will prosper.
At Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, the Mikamigi Shinji ritual is held, in which firewood is donated to the shrine to be used to cook the sacred food for the year.
It is customary for young parishioners to make offerings, and is said to have begun during the reign of Emperor Seiwa. It has been designated as an intangible folk cultural property of the prefecture.
One of the firewood used there is chestnut wood from Honmiya.

◇What is "Kumano Hongu Cedar"?

This tree is harvested in Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is located.
During the Edo period, Tokugawa Yoriyoshi worked to restore the Kumano Sanzan, and it became a place of aspiration for many people, regardless of social status. It is now one of the components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
It is said that long ago, when Kobo Daishi was eating lunch on his way to Kumano, he broke off a branch from a tree to use as chopsticks, and after eating, he stuck the branch into the ground, which grew into the two large cedar trees we see today.The Two Cedars are a natural monument of Motomiya Town.
Honmiya cedar is said to be inhabited by the spirit of God and is used for the wooden plaques given as gifts.

◇What is "Kumano Hongu Cedar"?

This tree is harvested in Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is located.
During the Edo period, Tokugawa Yoriyoshi worked to restore the Kumano Sanzan, and it became a place of aspiration for many people, regardless of social status. It is now one of the components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
It is said that long ago, when Kobo Daishi was eating lunch on his way to Kumano, he broke off a branch from a tree to use as chopsticks, and after eating, he stuck the branch into the ground, which grew into the two large cedar trees we see today.The Two Cedars are a natural monument of Motomiya Town.
Honmiya cedar is said to be inhabited by the spirit of God and is used for the wooden plaques given as gifts.

◇What is "Kumano Hongu Cedar"?

This tree is harvested in Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is located.
During the Edo period, Tokugawa Yoriyoshi worked to restore the Kumano Sanzan, and it became a place of aspiration for many people, regardless of social status. It is now one of the components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
It is said that long ago, when Kobo Daishi was eating lunch on his way to Kumano, he broke off a branch from a tree to use as chopsticks, and after eating, he stuck the branch into the ground, which grew into the two large cedar trees we see today.The Two Cedars are a natural monument of Motomiya Town.
Honmiya cedar is said to be inhabited by the spirit of God and is used for the wooden plaques given as gifts.

◇What is "Kumano Hongu Ginkgo"?

This tree is harvested in Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is located.
Kumano Hongu Taisha is the center of the Kumano Sanzan (Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi Taisha), and is the head shrine of the more than 4,700 Kumano shrines across the country.
The main deity enshrined here is Ketsumiko no Okami, who is the same god as Susanoo no Mikoto in Japanese mythology.
It is the ginkgo trees at this main shrine that make the Kumano Kodo trail so vibrant during the autumn foliage season.
Also, near Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, there is a large ginkgo tree in the grounds of Hosenji Temple in Fukujo, estimated to be 400 years old, which has been designated as a town monument. Ginkgo trees are known as "living fossils" that have existed for about 200 million years and are said to be a symbol of longevity.

◇What is Kumano Hinoki?

Kumano, the land of mythology. The Kumano River basin is blessed with natural conditions such as weather and soil, and with abundant forest resources, beautiful forests of cedars and cypresses have formed.
Kumano wood, considered a high-quality domestic timber, is stronger than timber from other regions, dries well, is less likely to warp, and is highly durable, making it the best material for structural use.
The Kumano River is the "main approach to the shrine on water," and the wood that flows through it is of course valuable.
Kumano cypress has a pleasant scent, so it is now used in oils and other products, and its scent is said to have a stronger soothing effect than other cypresses.

◇What is "Kumano Cedar"?

Kumano, the land of myth.
The Kumano River basin is blessed with a natural environment with favorable weather and soil, and with an abundance of forest materials, beautiful trees such as cedars and cypresses have formed.
Kumano wood, said to be the highest quality domestic timber, is stronger than timber from other regions, dries well, is less likely to warp, and is highly durable, making it the best material for structural use.
The Edo Shogunate had high-quality timber shipped from Shingu by sea.
The Kumano Kodo is home to many giant cedar trees, and has long been known as a famous cedar producing area.
This type of cedar is characterized by its reddish color after cutting, and among these, 100-year-old cedar is said to be of the highest quality.

◇What is "Kinshichiku"?

Beautiful bamboo with golden bark and green vertical stripes on its trunk.
Taishan bamboo with yellow shafts and green stripes is called Kinitotake, and is considered a mutation that makes it highly valuable.
Bamboo is also a symbol of good fortune, and because of its golden color, it is considered to be a bamboo that brings good fortune.

◇What is the "Diamond Bodhi Tree"?

Seeds of the Indian jute tree (Jute family, Cordata).
It means "eye of Shiva" in Sanskrit.
It is believed that Lord Shiva is very fond of Akshamala (necklaces) made from this Vajra tree, and he always wears one. The value of the necklace varies depending on the lines engraved on it, with those with one line and thirteen lines being very expensive.

◇What is "Yoshino Hinoki"?

Along with cedar, it is one of Japan's most representative woods, and in particular, cypress from the Yoshino region of Nara Prefecture is known as a brand of cypress along with Kiso cypress.
The Nihon Shoki, a historical book written during the Nara period, is said to contain the following passage: "Use cedar and camphor trees for boats, cypress for palaces, and cypress for coffins."
As the name suggests, cypress has long been used in large-scale buildings such as castles, palaces, temples, shrines, and Buddhist temples.
The reason for this is the strength and durability of cypress. It is said that Yoshino cypress was used in Horyuji Temple, the oldest wooden building in the world that was built 1,300 years ago and still stands today.

◇What is "Yoshino Cedar"?

One of the domestic timber brands.
The cedar trees are mainly produced in the Yoshino forestry region in central and southern Nara Prefecture, one of Japan's three most beautiful forests.
The 250-Year Forest, which has been cultivated through continuous thinning for generations, is a popular spot for forest therapy.
The history of Yoshino cedar planting is long, and is said to have begun approximately 500 years ago during the Muromachi period.
Yoshino cedar is grown in a unique style known as the "Yoshino method" or "Yoshino forestry," and many of the trees are planted over 100 or 200 years ago.
It is said that it was used as material for castle construction, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Osaka Castle and Kenjo Castle, as well as shrines.

◇What is Yoshino Camphor?

Camphor is extracted from camphor leaves, and even the wood itself has a strong fragrance that has a relaxing effect.
The kanji for camphor tree means a tree that came from the tropics.
The Nihon Shoki records that a Buddhist statue was made from luminous camphor found in Chinu-no-umi, Kawachi Province (now Osaka Prefecture) in 553, the year after the official introduction of Buddhism, and that it was enshrined at Yoshino-ji Temple as a "luminous camphor statue."
This Yoshino-ji Temple is said to be Hisoji Temple (Hisoji Temple), which is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku, and the current Seson-ji Temple is a successor to that temple.
The principal image of the temple, a seated statue of Amida Nyorai, is also known as the "Radiant Camphor Statue" after legend of its shining camphor tree.
In this way, Yoshino camphor trees have been carefully cultivated through a relationship that dates back to ancient times.

◇What is Yoshino Cherry Blossom?

The cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshino were inscribed on the Yoshino cherry tree by En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo.
Legend has it that the statue of Zao Gongen from Kinpusenji Temple was carved onto the tree, and it has been worshipped as a sacred tree and carefully protected for approximately 1,300 years.
In spring, approximately 30,000 cherry trees bloom from Shimo Senbon to Oku Senbon, an unprecedented sight unseen in the world. The sight is described as "Hitome Senbon" or "Senbonzakura," meaning "the splendor of seeing a thousand trees at a glance," and its beauty has been described in poems by Saigyo Hoshi and Matsuo Basho.
There is also an anecdote that in 1594 (the 3rd year of the Bunroku era), Toyotomi Hideyoshi visited the shrine to view the cherry blossoms, accompanied by such fierce generals as Tokugawa Ieyasu, Maeda Toshiie, and Date Masamune, as well as tea masters and tea masters, bringing a total of 5,000 people.

◇What is Yakusugi?

Yakusugi refers to the cedar trees that grow naturally on Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture and are over 1,000 years old.
The cedar trees have adapted to the island's geology, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and deer habitat, and secrete six times more antibacterial resin than regular cedar trees. This allows them to grow very slowly depending on the geology, but they also have the ability to grow for a long time.
Because it has excellent antibacterial properties and is durable, it is said to have been used in the construction of the Great Buddha Hall during the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

◇What is "eucalyptus"?

The Japanese name "eucalyptus" is a shortened version of the English pronunciation of the genus name, "eucalyptus."
The scientific name is a Latinized version of the Greek word meaning "good lid."
It is said that the name comes from the fact that the bud's sepals and petals fuse together to form a lid, or that it grows well in dry areas and covers the ground in green.
Australian Aborigines have used the leaves to heal wounds.
The essential oil extracted from the leaves is said to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and sedative properties, and is used in medicines and aromatherapy.
It is a plant with great vitality, and since it grows strong and undamaged even when its lower parts are scorched in a forest fire, it has long been considered a symbol of regeneration.
There are many different species of eucalyptus, and it is said that most of the trees that originally grew in Australia were eucalyptus species.

◇What is "White Dragon Eye"?

It is the same species of wood as ebony, which is also known as ivory wood in Taiwan and other places.
Because it is a high-quality wood that grows slowly, resource depletion due to over-harvesting has become a problem, and the number of areas that are subject to protection is increasing.
Locally, it is said that because it resembles a dragon's eye, it brings good luck and enhances one's abilities.
In addition, the beauty of the wood grain is first-class, and large pieces with clearly defined eyes are considered high-quality.

◇What is "Palo Santo"?

Palo Santo is known as the "sacred tree" and has been treasured by shamans since the time of the Inca Empire.
Palo Santo is not only a fragrant wood, but is also one of the most important trees used in traditional natural medicine (ethno-herbal medicine) passed down by indigenous peoples of South America, and is also known as the ``tree that brings good fortune.''
The oil extracted from dried palo santo is said to be effective for calming the mind, inducing sweating, and for rheumatism and headaches, and has been used to relieve symptoms and pain.

◇What is "Palo Santo"?

Palo Santo is known as the "sacred tree" and has been treasured by shamans since the time of the Inca Empire.
Palo Santo is not only a fragrant wood, but is also one of the most important trees used in traditional natural medicine (ethno-herbal medicine) passed down by indigenous peoples of South America, and is also known as the ``tree that brings good fortune.''
The oil extracted from dried palo santo is said to be effective for calming the mind, inducing sweating, and for rheumatism and headaches, and has been used to relieve symptoms and pain.

◇What is "Nezuko"?

Nezuko is one of the five Kiso trees and is a tree found in the Kiso region in the southwest of Nagano Prefecture, sandwiched between the Central Alps and the Ontake Mountains.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi controlled the entire Kiso region as his own treasury land, and in 1665, during the reign of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Owari domain established a system of mountain retention and banned the felling of the five Kiso trees.
For this reason, the mountain remains so beautiful that in the opening passage of the novel "Before the Dawn" by the great writer Shimazaki Toson, it is said that "the entire Kiso Road is in the mountains."
The name Nezuko was pronounced "Nezuko" because the wood color of the tree was grayish-gray, with the character for "mouse" added to the "wood" radical.
It is also commonly found in the Kurobe region of Toyama Prefecture, and is therefore also known as "kurobe" or "kurobesugi."

◇What is "Trackwood"?

This wood has beautiful color and grain, moderate hardness and a uniform texture, making it easy to process.
It has a heavy feel, and when polished, the color becomes more vivid and gives off a brilliant luster.
The plant grows in areas spanning Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and is sometimes sold under the name of each country.

◇What is "Tigerwood"?

Tigerwood has many names and is a mahogany similar to walnut.
It has a beautiful and unique color and is popularly known as tigerwood.
After cutting, it has a slight yellowish tinge, with the black wood grain clearly visible.
Currently, this wood is in limited supply and is said to be at risk of extinction.

◇What is a "Siamese persimmon"?

"Siamese persimmon" is the name given to it by a trading company in Japan, and its official name is "Zerikote" or "Jirikote."
Originally, it was imported as a substitute for domestically produced black persimmon, but now it is becoming more difficult to obtain this wood every year.
It is a beautiful wood with a different charm from domestic black persimmon, and is covered with a variety of brown and dark brown patterns.

◇What is "King Dragon Wood"?

[Powers Wood] King Dragon Wood
It has also been called "Imperial Blood Dragon Tree" and has been loved since ancient times as "Dragon King Tree."
Compared to dragonwood, it has distinctive eyes and is found in India, Thailand, Malaysia, etc.
It has the same transparency as dragonwood and is characterized by its beautiful, unique striped pattern.
It has also been used as a material for weapons since ancient times.

◇What is "Enju"?

In ancient China, when a person became a high-ranking official, it was customary to plant a locust tree in their garden, as it was considered an auspicious tree that brought happiness.
For this reason, the flower's meaning is "happiness." Because of the way the branches grow and the beautiful yellow-white butterfly-like flowers that bloom, the flower's meaning is also "elegance."
As the name literally contains the character for demon, it has often been planted in temples as it produces strings of rosary-like fruit that ripen in the fall.
The flowers and buds contain medicinal ingredients and have been used as herbal medicines.
The reason for writing the character for demon with the character for tree is said to come from the custom of making masks and other items out of locust wood and placing them at the evil spirit's gate of the house.
In Japan, this tree is given the kanji character "Enju" (prolonged tree), and has long been loved as a tree that wards off illness and extends lifespan.

◇What is "Jindai Zelkova"?

In Japanese mythology, the Age of the Gods refers to the period before the reign of Emperor Jimmu (before 660 BC).
It is said that this tree has been sleeping since ancient times, and that it was created by chance due to a natural disaster, and was buried in a rare environment where it remained alive and without rotting for over a thousand years.
It is accidentally mined due to land development etc. and is used to decorate high-end Japanese architecture and to create art and craft items.
Zelkova is a hard wood and has long been used as a building material for Japanese houses, and is also widely used in shrines and temples.
When polished, it develops a remarkable luster, and this beauty has been a source of comfort to people and has been revered since ancient times.

◇What is "Yoshino Maki"?

Yoshino cypress grows on Mount Yoshino in Nara.
Although they are generally collectively called Koya-maki, there are different names for the trees that have a long history in the Yoshino area, centered around Kinpusenji Temple.
It is often used as a flower in daily life, with the branches and core removed, and it is said that it is rarely allowed to grow large.
In addition, large trees have long been used to make furniture and building materials, and have been highly valued for making things like firewood baths.
Prefecturally designated cultural properties such as those near Yoshinoyama Nyoirinji Temple were not originally natural forests, but artificial forests that were planted long ago for use, and still bear traces of daily life, with branches and other remains cut by local people.

◇What is a "Purple Heart"?

Purpleheart is used in interior materials, furniture, decorative veneers, sculptures, and other places where its beautiful purple color is utilized.
The sapwood is mostly white to milky white, and the heartwood is light purple when cut, turning dark purple-brown over time.
As its name suggests, this wood has a unique pale purple hue and is strong, durable, and highly resistant to fungi and insects.

◇What is "Snakewood"?

Like many other mulberry trees, snakewood is a relatively small tree, with a breast height diameter of only about 25-30 cm.It is also very difficult to obtain because it grows in limited areas and the amount available is limited.

◇What is "Hoo"?

Magnolia leaves are very large, have a sweet scent, and even have antibacterial properties, so they have been used as tableware since ancient times.

◇What is "Keyaki"?

Zelkova is a beautiful tree with a variety of beautiful colors ranging from red to yellow, as the color of its leaves varies depending on the individual tree.
This tree is used as a street tree in various areas, providing enjoyment with its colorful appearance.

◇What is "Tochi"?

The horse chestnut tree is a tree that has been rooted in Japan for a long time, mainly in eastern Japan.
Like walnuts and acorns, the fruit has been eaten by Japanese people since the Jomon period.

◇What is "Camphor"?

Camphor, which protects clothes from insects, is made by distilling camphor tree branches and leaves.
Camphor injections, which were made to stimulate the heart's contractile power, are also made from camphor.

◇What is "Sugi"?

The word cedar is said to come from "straight tree."
The way they grow straight up, with their roots deep and firm in the earth, gives us a sense of their refreshing way of life.

◇What is "Yamazakura"?

Before the Meiji period, cherry blossom viewing meant admiring mountain cherry blossoms.
In Yamato Uta (Japanese poetry), which expresses the heartfelt sentiment, mountain cherry blossoms are often used to express feelings of love, and it is clear that they have been a part of the hearts of people who look forward to spring.

◇What is "hinoki"?

There are two theories about the origin of the name: it comes from the "hi" tree, which means "sacred tree" because it is used at shrines, and it also comes from the "hi" character, which means "sun" and has the oldest and highest meaning.

◇What is "walnut"?

Walnuts are nuts enclosed in a hard shell.
In Japan, it has been a staple food since the Jomon period and has been an integral part of daily life.
It is a wood that is loved by many people.

◇What is "Matsu"?

In ancient Japanese waka poetry, the tree is used in conjunction with the word "wait," which has the same pronunciation as the Japanese word, and it has been a tree that has resided in the hearts of Japanese people since ancient times.

◇What is "fir"?

It is said to be the origin of Santa Claus, and there is a legend that fir trees were used to pray for people's health. Fir trees, which remain green even in winter, are considered a symbol of life and were also used as talismans.

◇What is "Ginkgo"?

Ginkgo trees are known for their beautiful yellow leaves and are often seen as roadside trees, but they were originally brought to Japan from China as medicine.

◇What is "Kuri"?

In fact, even before rice cultivation began, the Jomon people planted chestnut trees and made them the foundation of their peaceful lives.
This tree produces chestnuts, which have been cherished as a staple food for the Japanese since ancient times.

◇What is "quartz"?

Quartz that has a clear crystalline form and is colorless and transparent is called crystal.
It has an attractive ice crystal-like appearance and is a power stone that has high energy.
It has the ability to purify bad energy, so it is loved as a purification item.
It also has the effect of adjusting the flow of bad energy and spirit in the mind and body.

◇What is "Kirin"?

The kirin is a legendary animal that appears in Chinese mythology and appears in times of peace.
It is compared to the phoenix, the king of birds, and is considered a symbol of peace and stability.
In Japan, a real animal that resembles this legendary animal is also called "kirin," and it is good to place a kirin in the living room, private room, or entrance hall.

◇What is "Smoky Quartz"?

Smoky quartz is a type of quartz that is transparent and comes in black, brown, or gray colors.
It has long been said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect from evil spirits.
It is also said to possess the power of the earth, making it a recommended stone for those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground and achieve mental stability.

◇What is "Kirin"?

The kirin is a legendary animal that appears in Chinese mythology and appears in times of peace.
It is compared to the phoenix, the king of birds, and is considered a symbol of peace and stability.
In Japan, a real animal that resembles this legendary animal is also called "kirin," and it is good to place a kirin in the living room, private room, or entrance hall.