Ken Matsudaira, famous for his tough-guy roles like in "Abarenbo Shogun," unexpectedly became a pop culture sensation. Back in 2004, he dropped the "Matsuken Samba" series, where he performed samba in period costumes. But it was during the global pandemic, fueled by the rise of short-form videos, that he truly exploded, sparking a massive craze.
Now, he's teamed up with Nippon Kodo to launch a brand-new line of incense sticks and cones called "Matsuken-ko" (マツケン香), inspired by his iconic hit "Matsuken Samba II." These will be available in both regular and special editions, hitting shelves starting September 4th.
The "Matsuken-ko" incense kicks off with lively top notes of citrus and spices, then deepens with the mature, profound scent of agarwood. The result? A vibrant, bold, and utterly uninhibited aroma.
Its design boldly blends fragrance notes common in perfumes with the natural ingredients found in traditional incense. The incense sticks themselves are a luxurious lacquer black, shimmering with large flecks of gold glitter. This opulent look, combined with the scent, perfectly embodies the "Southern Carnival" (南のカルナバル) vibe that kicks off "Matsuken Samba II," transforming it into a vibrant, life-affirming fragrance.
▼ Ken Matsudaira "Matsuken Samba II" MV
The product's core concept is "Something good is about to happen!" It evokes the lively, slightly chaotic atmosphere of a carnival, and just lighting one up is enough to lift your spirits. Each mini-sized stick burns for about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick mood boost during short breaks.
▼ Regular Edition: Easy for everyday use. Price: 715 JPY
The regular edition, perfect for daily enjoyment, comes in vibrant and gorgeous red and purple packaging, containing 30 incense sticks. Each box also includes one random special die-cut sticker featuring a handwritten-style message from Ken Matsudaira himself.
According to the official special website, there are four types of stickers, all featuring energetic, "get hyped up" messages. Plus, there's one secret version, making a total of at least five to collect!
▼ Special Edition: Includes a mirror ball incense holder. Price: 2,860 JPY
As for the special edition (SP version), not only does it pack more incense sticks—45, to be exact—but it also features a unique box design that pops open into a 3D display.
But the real showstopper? Inside the box, you'll find a mirror ball-shaped incense holder, designed to perfectly capture the "Matsuken Samba II" vibe. This dazzling holder isn't just for burning incense; once you're done, it doubles as a fantastic decorative piece—a luxurious perk exclusive to the special edition.
From the shimmering black and gold incense sticks and the gorgeous packaging to the mirror ball incense holder, every detail perfectly infuses the lively, joyful, Southern Carnival spirit of "Matsuken Samba II" into your everyday fragrance experience.
via： 日本香堂「マツケン香」 特設サイト