Racarpu Reports on the 5th Edition of 'Morita Atsuko's Shinra Juku' Event

Racarpu Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Arai Miho) held the 5th edition of its co-creation program, the closed 'Morita Atsuko's Shinra Juku,' on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at a beautifully preserved traditional house in Nakameguro.

'Shinra Juku' is designed as a learning space centered on the philosophy of 'Shinra Bansho'—the idea that all things in nature are interconnected, cyclical, and harmonious. The program offers monthly themed lectures and experiential sessions focused on phytotherapy and bodily wisdom.

The 5th edition was themed around 'Frankincense (also known as 'Kōryū').'

The event featured a lecture on the history and cultural significance of frankincense—a sacred resin long revered in ancient Egypt and the Middle East—alongside multi-faceted experiences such as steam distillation of Omani frankincense resin, incense-burning sessions, and tastings of honey harvested from frankincense flowers.

Participants, primarily professionals from the beauty and wellness industries, deeply experienced the allure of plants not just intellectually, but through scent, taste, and direct tactile engagement.

About Shinra Juku...

The Legacy of 'Shinra Juku' from Kirishima Youko

'Shinra Juku' is a closed learning space rooted in the Eastern worldview that 'Shinra Bansho'—all phenomena in nature are interconnected, cyclical, and harmonious. It aims to help women reconnect with their inner voice and reclaim their senses. Participants of diverse ages and backgrounds gather to share knowledge on phytotherapy and mind-body wisdom, deepening their understanding of living as the protagonist of their own lives. The concept was nurtured by writer Kirishima Youko, who has long explored wisdom related to life, health, and sensory awareness. Morita Atsuko has inherited this legacy, reconstructing the program as a practical space to share 'wisdom and practices essential for modern women.'

At the opening, Morita shared a message with participants: 'Shinra Juku is an adult's playground. Of course, we learn about plants, but I hope it becomes a place where human connections are formed and new worlds unfold.'

*The program operates as a closed membership initiative and is not currently open for public applications.

5th Shinra Juku Event Overview

This Month's Theme: 'Frankincense,' Passed Down Since Ancient Times

The plant featured this time is frankincense, known since antiquity as 'Kōryū.'

A natural resin harvested from trees of the Boswellia genus in the Burseraceae family, frankincense has long been treasured in the Middle East and North Africa for religious rituals and as a fragrance.

The lecture covered:

- Botanical characteristics of frankincense

- Differences by origin

- Connections with ancient Egypt

- The historical relationship between Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut and frankincense

Morita shared insights from her years of studying phytotherapy in France and the Middle East, discussing the roles plants have played in people's lives and cultures.

Experiencing frankincense distillation on-site, with diverse visual expressions

Demonstration of Omani frankincense distillation

With the cooperation of the specialized frankincense brand 'nū frankincense,' the event conducted a steam distillation of Omani frankincense resin.

At the venue, actual distillation equipment was used to demonstrate the extraction of essential oil and aromatic hydrosol from the resin.

Participants observed the distillation process up close, experiencing the evolving scents and the profound nature of plants over time.

Additionally, an incense-burning experience was held, using the resin itself in incense burners.

Many participants attentively observed how the fragrance slowly spread throughout the space, with some capturing photos and videos.

Understanding the production background: A new way of relating to plants

'nū frankincense' introduced not only the origins and grading differences of frankincense but also the challenges of resource conservation due to rising demand.

The brand delivers frankincense with full traceability by directly partnering with trusted harvesters in Oman, bypassing conventional markets.

Participants learned a new perspective on plant selection by engaging with the story behind each plant—'where it was grown, who harvested it, and under what circumstances it reached us.'

Official website: https://nu-frankincense.com

Lecture by Mr. Yokota, President of nū frankincense

Incense experience with nū frankincense

Experiential learning through the five senses

At Shinra Juku, in addition to lectures, participants engage in programs using all five senses, such as:

- Distillation experience

- Incense experience

- Tasting of frankincense honey

- Time to touch resin and essential oils

A key feature of Shinra Juku is that participants don't just learn about plants as 'knowledge'—they take the 'experience' home with them.

Learning about Morita Atsuko's activities

The session also introduced Morita Atsuko's wide-ranging activities beyond her role as a phytotherapist, including:

- Operating a phytotherapy school

- Women's health support initiatives

- Development of fem-care brands

- Introducing phytotherapy into medical and caregiving settings

- Involvement in agriculture and food culture

Miho Arai, CEO of Racarpu Inc., stated:

'Morita Atsuko has been engaged in multifaceted activities that go far beyond the title of 'phytotherapist.' Shinra Juku is a space where participants can experience her philosophy and way of life as a whole.'

Organizer Profiles

Morita Atsuko

Phytotherapist; CEO of Sanrui International Co., Ltd.; Director of Le Bois Phytotherapy School. Studied phyto-pharmacology at the University of Paris 13 (France). A pioneer in promoting phytotherapy (phytotherapy) in Japan. She pursues lifelong health support for women from diverse perspectives, including prenatal and postnatal care and caregiving. She also produces total life-care brands such as 'Waphyto' and intimate care brands like 'Antium Organic,' in addition to lecturing and writing.

Instagram: @atsuko1705

Arai Miho

CEO of PR Office Racarpu; Beauty Director; Phytotherapist.

After graduating from university, she worked in PR for IT and cosmetics companies before going independent. In 2012, she founded 'Racarpu,' a PR agency specializing in wellness beauty, and has since been involved in brand strategy and PR consulting in the wellness beauty sector. She continues to propose beauty and lifestyle perspectives from the viewpoints of herbal medicine, phytotherapy, and wellness.

Instagram: @mihoarai0527

Future Schedule

'Morita Atsuko's Shinra Juku' is scheduled to be held monthly throughout the 2026 fiscal year.

Various themes will be explored, centered on phytotherapy, including seasonal herbs, menopause, slow aging, self-care, and women's healthcare.

The program will continue as a deeper space for learning and experience, incorporating participant feedback.

Additionally, sponsorship inquiries from companies that support this initiative are welcome.

Organizer: Racarpu Inc.

Location: 150-0001 Tokyo