Its branches and evergreen leaves are considered highly sacred by Japanese Buddhists[2] due to insects' aversion to them and their ability to remain fresh after pruning.

The sacred anise tree is native to parts of east Asia including Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

[5] Japanese star anise contains anisatin, shikimin, and shikimitoxin, which cause severe inflammation of the kidneys, urinary tract, and digestive organs.

[citation needed] Due to its morphological similarities, it is impossible to distinguish Chinese and Japanese star anise in dried or processed form by their appearance only, and can only be unequivocally determined by using botanical microscopy.

[7] This contamination hospitalized many people with epilepsy, hallucinations, and nausea all as a result of the toxin anisatin, found in the Japanese star anise.