Nature’s bounty, borne from an insatiable quest for knowledge

There once was a researcher born and raised in Chichibu. His name was Mr. Shigeharu Inoue. He researched a large variety of herbs, but was particularly focused on lindera. These plants can grow under light shade, and can be found in deep mountains where it is difficult for people to set foot in.

He focused on this herb because of its strong antibacterial properties, and its availability. He also liked how if you break a branch, the aroma is very pleasant and calming. Lindera is commonly used as toothpicks for Japanese wagashi sweets, but he devised a method to use lindera as 100% organic essential water for daily use, and continued his research.

Chichibu Herb K.K. has inherited Mr. Inoue’s thoughts and made “Chichibu Herb Water” by hand. They harvest the lindera shrubs during Se ptember to December, when it is possible to harvest the leaves, from the deep mountains of Chichibu/Nagatoro. The harvested shrubs are sorted and then dried for 1-2 weeks in the shade. The branches are chopped into small pieces and extracted by boiling for a set amount of time in a pot with a measured amount of “ancient water” sourced from Chichibu. Although the process may sound simple, if you actually see Mr. Yukimasa Iijima, who single-handedly performs all of the Chichibu Herb Water production process by himself, you will see that each step of the production process requires detailed adjustments and accurate measurements, and it is not a simple process where you just need to follow a recipe.

“ Mr. Inoue’s laboratory only had a recipe that looked more like some numbers scribbled on a memo pad, so we had to use that information to experiment with many different methods every day. We needed to experiment whether we should just add the branches or the leaves during the stewing process, we needed to experiment how to add the ingredients to achieve the best fragrance, so we repeated experimented and logged our results in a memo. Even now, when making Chichibu Herb Water, I always make sure to propose, check, improve and evaluate new methods. I work alone, so it is important to be thorough and careful.”

Mr. Iijma keeps daily records of his activities, and he meticulously logs his observations. Chichibu Herb Water’s high quality is achieved thanks to his observational skills, his insatiable quest for knowledge, and his dedication to a perfectly managed product.

“I use Chichibu Herb Water on a daily basis as a room fragrance, and by spraying it on face masks. Spicebush is very attractive because its gentle fragrance can provide calm as well as providing energy. Chichibu has good water, so you can feel nature’s bounty in my product.”

LOVE point

You can use Chichibu Herb Water to prevent heat rash, and also use it as a deodorant spray. The water has moisturizing properties so you can use it on your whole body, including your face. The ingredients are 100% natural, so you can also use it brush your pet’s hair.

PRODUCT information

PRODUCT NAME	HERB WATER – KUROMOJI –
OUTLINE	Herb fragrance water distilled “KUROMOJI(Lindera)” in Chichibu with ”Chichibu Kodaisui(Ancient water)” made of Natural materials in Chichibu.
SPEC	face and body lotion , 50ml
PRICE	¥1,850(tax out)

Company Info