Incense

Since 1657!

In 1657, the founder named himself “Jinkoya Sakubei” and specialized in selling incense ingredients and incense sticks. “Jinkoya” (Aloes wood trader) was a name peculiar to Sakai, only medicinal wholesalers who specialized in incense were authorized to use this name.

The creation of Incense is an extraordinarily delicate process. In the time-honored traditions of Jinkoya Sakubei, Baieido has dedicated itself to making incense for over 300 years. The method and recipes have been handed down from generation to generation in an unbroken secret oral tradition.

Pretty amazing stuff. How many companies can celebrate their 350th aniversary?

More Hybrid Taxis



Stefan says:

not sure whether these pedal taxis had any electric motors, although it did sound like it and they were cruisin’ along pretty good.
both of these are taken in Berlin this summer…

Alternative Energy

The world’s biggest solar power plant went online in Mulhausen, Germany this month, putting out 6.3 megawatts of power. The plant is part of a set of facilities in Bavaria which produce a total of 10 megawatts of power using 57,600 silicon solar panels, built by the Berkeley, California

Right on.

World’s Best School System

Finland, according a major international survey, has the best educational system in the world. This study, in turn, comes on the heels of several others showing that Finland has the highest rate of teen literacy in the world, the highest percent of ‘regular readers,’ and the most ‘creatively competitive’ economy. The BBC has devoted a whole series of features to looking at why this might be true.

And a free Nokia for every student… but it can get cold…