Expressing prayer through fragrance - From world tradition to future peace, "Grand Prix of Japan 2025" is now open for entries!
Winning works will be exhibited at Ninna-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site, in a new cultural festival linking tradition and evidence.
MIWAIKEHATA Corporation.
MIWAIKEHATA Corporation (Representative Director: Anna Ikehata) will hold the 2nd Bichoko Grand Prix of Japan in the fall of 2025. This Grand Prix is not a competition for the beauty of fragrance, but a unique stage for expressing prayers in the form of fragrance and bringing people's hearts to the future. The first edition of the Grand Prix attracted a great response, with 86% of the participants reporting that they felt a mental improvement within 5 minutes. This year's second edition of the event will be even more culturally and socially significant, and the winning entries will be exhibited in the "Kuroshoin" garden of the World Heritage Ninna-ji Temple's Imperial Palace, providing a special opportunity for visitors to actually experience the event for themselves.
Grand Prix of Japan 2025 at Ninna-ji Temple, Kyoto
"Prayerful Fragrance" inherited throughout the world
Since ancient times, fragrance has been a symbol of prayer and repose. In ancient Egypt, frankincense and myrrh were burned in temples to offer prayers to heaven. The Aebels Papyrus from 1500 B.C. records its use in religious rituals, and in the Old Testament "Psalm 141" it is written, "Prayer rises up before God like incense.
In Japan, incense was introduced along with Buddhism in the 6th century. During the Heian period (794-1185), aristocrats enjoyed "Takimonoawase," or the exchange of fragrances, elevating fragrance to an art form. Even today, incense in Buddhist rituals is a symbol of "repose" and "prayer. Incense sticks are produced in Japan to the tune of approximately 5,000 tons (*1) and are still deeply rooted in the culture of daily life.
*1 Based on the 2022 Industrial Statistics Survey and other data.
"Prayer Fragrance" to be handed down to the modern age
The Grand Prix for Prayer Fragrances is an attempt to inherit this long tradition, deepen it into a fragrance that prays for peace and tranquility in the future, and deliver it widely to society. As for the effects of fragrance on the mind and body, 86% of the participants in the "Temple CARE Art & Femtec Kyoto 2024" held simultaneously at Ninna-ji Temple felt a reduction in stress and an increase in vitality in just 5 minutes, as measured by the MF100 Fatigue Stress Meter. This shows that the fragrance of prayer is not just a cultural phenomenon, but has the power to directly affect the emotional center of the brain through the sense of smell, and scientifically support people's physical and mental health.
Issues in modern society and the efficacy of natural essential oils
The theme for the first edition of the Grand Prix for Fragrance Design in 2024 was "FemTec," which explored the possibilities of fragrances to support women's bodies and minds.
The second edition in 2025 will focus on contemporary social issues such as solitary parenting and postpartum depression. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, approximately 10-15% of mothers suffer from postpartum depression, and 20% say they have no one to talk to. It is also a serious reality that suicide is the leading cause of death among women within a year of childbirth.
It is a brief moment to rest in the midst of child-rearing. Natural essential oils have the power to help you do so. A portion of the entry fee for the "Grand Prix of Japan" is allocated for the construction of nursing rooms, diaper changing areas, and barrier-free facilities to create a supportive environment for lonely childcare. In addition, a Kids and Junior category will be established to create opportunities for children to learn about fragrances and nurture their sensibilities.
Prayerful fragrances heal society and circulate as a mechanism to support the future. That is the mission of this Grand Prix. We look forward to receiving many submissions.
Image of the fragrance
Outline of the Competition
◎Entry Period (*For details, please visit the official website)
- Super Early Bird Entry: August 1, 2025 (Fri.) - August 31, 2025 (Sun.)
- Early Bird Entry: September 1, 2025 (Mon.) - September 20, 2025 (Sat.)
- Regular Entry: September 21, 2025 (Sun.) - September 30, 2025 (Tue.)
- Final Deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Categories
General Division (18 years old or older, regardless of pro-am or amateur status)
Junior Division (junior high school and high school students)
Kids Division (4 years old to elementary school students)
Participation Fee
General Division Regular 3,000 yen (Student discount 1,500 yen)
Junior/Kids Division: Free
Privileges
Kids/Junior division participants will receive 1,000 yen as a gift
3,000 yen will be given back to participants in the General Division
Product coupons available at affiliated stores (Flavor Life, MIWAIKEHATA online store) will be distributed. Can be used to purchase essential oils and equipment for perfumery.
◎Submissions
All fragrances used must be 100% natural essential oils only.
*For details on the application method and requirements, please refer to the official website.
Official website
https://miwaikehata.my.canva.site/bichokou-gp2025
＜For inquiries, please contact>
mail: cs@hakko-g.co.jp
Phone: 0120-34-4143 (Available weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Production scenery of the Kids Section
Judging and Award Ceremony
Judging method: A judging committee of experts, cultural figures, and corporate representatives will review and select the entries based on the message of the prayer, social significance, and creativity of the fragrance. Finalists' works will be exhibited during the event at Ninna-ji Temple and shown to many visitors in the historic space.
There will be a total of 9 winners (5 in the general category, 2 in the junior category, and 2 in the kids category).
Award Ceremony Date: November 3, 2025 (national holiday)
Place: Tatsuden, Gosho Garden, Ninna-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site
Award Ceremony for 2024
Award Ceremony 2 for 2024
Grand Prix Entry
Temple CARE at Ninna-ji Temple, Kyoto
Theme Two Drops Meditation
[Sponsor]
MIWAIKEHATA Corporation
＜Co-sponsored by>
Executive Committee of "Temple CARE 2025 OMOIYARI & Femtech in Kyoto
Japan Aromatherapy Creation Organization
<Special Cooperating Companies>
Flavor Life Co.
<Cooperating companies>
Alice Garden Aroma School Osaka, Aroma Studio KAHO, Aroma Healing Salon Amma, Aroma License College Kumamoto, Azuma Furniture, IntiGree Corporation/Iastrampoline School, MFC Corporation, kitchen ma-ru, Kuriyama Sewing Company, salon Ltd., Sora Acupuncture & Moxibustion Osteopathy Clinic, Tango Kingdom Brewery/Hotel Tango Kingdom/Michi-no-Eki Tango Kingdom "Miyako of Food", BlueMoon Herb Aroma Handmade Class, Pashupati Hatagaya Crepes, Hime Osteopathic Clinic, physis aroma & clay, Bright Works, LLC. Ltd. , Kurumi Pharma Corporation / Kurumi Pharmacy , Pet House Muku Club , Bon Arm Corporation / Ai Dispensing Pharmacy / Mitani Dispensing Pharmacy
Company Profile
Company name : MIWAIKEHATA Corporation.
Representative: Anna Ikehata, Representative Director
Location ： 27-19 Kitakusunosatomachi, Daito-shi, Osaka 574-0007, Japan
Business description: Import/export, marketing and wholesale of Aroma products, Marketing consulting, Aroma salon business, Aroma salon business, Aroma culture business
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