The long-established store in the flower district of Gion handles not only camellia oil but also hair care and skin care products in line with the times.
The wide variety of products is surprising, and some people even become interested in beauty as a result of visiting the store. The store offers items with proper consideration for people, such as naturally derived products that do not burden the hair or skin, which attracts not only women but also men these days.

The company was founded in 1865. The company was founded in 1865 in Rokkaku-sagaru, Kyogoku (present-day Teramachi Rokkaku area), where it manufactured and sold a variety of small articles for the stage while operating a playhouse as a theatrical stage manager. Later, the retail section of the company became independent and was renamed Kazurakiyo, and the company received a royal warrant from the Imperial Household Agency. After moving to the Shijo Otabisho area, the store was opened in Gion in 1936 during the early Showa period.

Camellia oil has a long history. In the "Shoku Nihon Ki" (compiled in 797), it is written that camellia oil was sent as a gift to foreign countries, and in ancient documents from the Heian period (794-1192), it can be read as an indispensable item in the lives of Heian aristocrats. In the Edo period (1603-1867), it spread to the common people as it made women's black hair shiny.

［Kazurakiyo has a long history of handling and selling camellia oil, which is necessary for actors, since its establishment. The fourth generation head of the company opened a camellia oil mill on the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, the northernmost island of Kyushu, to produce even better camellia oil. The previous generation was from Nagasaki and knew that the Goto Islands are one of the best camellia oil producing areas in Japan. I heard that is why he had his own camellia garden and factory in Gotō," says Mayo Shimofuri, managing director of the company, who supports the sixth generation of the current head of the family.

The reason for the high quality of Kazurakiyo's camellia oil, which has many longtime loyal fans, lies in the manufacturing process. The camellia nuts are harvested from the trees by hand, without picking up the fallen camellia nuts. The oil is also strained several times to ensure that only the best ingredients are used. The harvest season is autumn, and "Season Pressed Special Camellia Oil" is available for a limited time every year from mid-November to around New Year. The golden-colored camellia oil squeezed out is a natural beauty oil filled with the blessings of nature. The fact that it is organic is also noteworthy.

Although people tend to think of camellia oil as something to be used only for hair, it can actually be used for the entire body. It contains 85% oleic acid, a natural moisturizing component that is the closest to human sebum, and is particularly resistant to oxidation among oils. It is said to lead the skin to a normal state while supplementing the missing moisturizing ingredients.

［In addition to hair care products such as shampoo, Kazurakiyo offers a wide variety of skin care products. One such product is the "Fragrant Camellia Series. The most popular product is "Special Camellia Oil Scented Camellia," which contains five kinds of organic camellia oil, including lavender and rosemary, and this fall, a new product, "Special Camellia Oil Scented Camellia RELAX," which contains five kinds of ylang-ylang and other aromatic oils. Both products are so intoxicating that you can't help but close your eyes and smell the fragrance. They penetrate well into the skin and can be used all over the body, and we recommend applying them to the hands and neck after bathing or when feeling tired.

Also in the fragrant camellia series are "Camellia Rippu Cream" and "Matcha Camellia Rippu Cream," both of which contain honey and other ingredients. Also available are Tsubaki Hand & Body Cream (880 yen and up), which uses plant-derived ingredients to prevent the growth of bacteria and body odor. Another series, "Seirahada," includes sheet-type beauty essence masks, carbonated Camellia soap, and other items that symbolize the times.

Tsubaki oil is truly versatile because it can be used as a cleanser to remove dirt, moisturize the skin after cleansing or bathing, and can even be used for hairdressing. The recommended usage is to massage your hair with camellia oil and shampoo. It will lead even damaged hair to shiny hair," says Ms. Shimotsuki.
Kazurakiyo will develop products to make daily life more beautiful and sunny days more colorful. The company will also respond to the unisex era by offering products that can be used by men as well as women.

There is a reason why it has remained from ancient times to the present. This winter is the perfect time to start your oil beauty regimen with "camellia oil.