J-Scent Perfumes Sumo Wrestler, Koiame, and Rakugan (Hironobu Kobayashi)+ 3 you should be wearing giveaway

 

Best J-Scent Perfumes

AI-generated image by Nicoleta for J-Scent Perfumes

One of the brands that I discovered and fell in love with during Esxence 2023 was J-Scent Perfumes composed by house perfumer Hironobu Kobayashi. Each time I got lost in the maze of nearly 300 exhibitors, I was happy to cross their stand and allow myself a couple of minutes of peace while browsing and sniffing through their impressive portfolio of over twenty perfumes. I went through the rabbit hole and deep down I went with J-Scent Perfumes Hisui – a floral uplifting scent inspired by the mysterious green and white colours of Jade, the national stone of Japan and had the experience of one of the best matcha teas with their self-explanatory best seller, Roasted Green Tea. After that I was hooked and wanted to test as much as possible, each chance I got. Loved the atmospheric and artistic experiences of Koiame (rain), the luxurious texture of Black Leather, the otherworldly decadent iris-violet spell of Hanamachi (Geisha District), got lost in the most beautiful cherry blossom garden with Hanamizake (Japanese Sake under cherry blossom), and swooned over the milky veil of Yawahada (Soft Skin). Also, got my gourmand fix with a dose of the amazing sugary Rakugan, quenched my thirst with a tall glass of fizzy mint soda with Ramune, and floated in comforting memories with the nostalgic Honey & Lemon.

It was quite a difficult task to narrow my list to just three, but after careful testing and retesting of my samples, these are my picks and recommendations to get you started on this amazing journey:

J-Scent Perfumes Sumo Wrestler

J-Scent Perfumes Sumo Wrestler, official image via Facebook

Sumo Wrestler – launched in 2017: An unexpected powdery floral that reconstructs the dignified aura surrounding sumo wrestlers, with the scent of bintsuke (hair oil) subtly floating from their sleeked-back hair. Crisp eucalyptus intertwines with the spiced touch of anise, for the first minutes of aromatic might, then drifts into a powdery embrace of violet and heliotrope, capturing the very essence of bintsuke. The dry-down is close to the skin, but very present and long lasting, with musk and creamy sandalwood. A fragrance that exudes strength, yet cradles you in its gentle warmth. Love the name and love the interplay between powdery softness and the strong floral bite.

Top Notes: Orange, Eucalyptus, Anise; Middle Notes: Cinnamon, Heliotrope, Violet, Orange Flower; Last Notes: Labdanum, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Jasmine

J-Scent Perfumes Koiame

J-Scent Perfumes Koiame, official image via Facebook

Koiame (translates as rain) – launched in 2019: Soft, bright, fruity, and clean. Works amazingly well in heat, even in high humidity, and its refreshing bubble will make you feel as revitalized as running barefoot, in a summer rain storm, on a green meadow. Starts off with a dew-kissed blend of almost-ripe fruits, with apple, peaches, lemons, and cassis then mellows down to more nostalgic floral nuances of violet and roses then comforts you with mossy cedarwood shadows. Veering quite far from the moody and introspective take on the petrichor-themed fragrances, this is a joyful, bright, and carefree interpretation of a rain scent, like a watercolour wash of happiness that will paint the air around you in cool shades of blue.

Top Notes: Apple, Peach, Bergamot, Mandarin, Lemon, Cassis, Green Note; Middle Notes: Rose, Jasmine, Magnolia, Violet, Water Lily; Last Notes: Musk, Cedarwood, Mossy Note

J Scent Rakugan

J-Scent Perfumes Rakugan, official image via Facebook

Rakugan (sweets) – launched in 2018: Bearing the name of the daintily carved, colorful Japanese sugar sweets that are traditionally served in tea ceremonies, J-Scents Perfumes Rakugan is a delicious fruity powdery perfume that is truly addictive in its understated powdery charm. This is a complex gourmand that never veers towards the sticky sugary path, light enough to be worn even in the high temperatures of late summer, and amazing as an autumn scent. The opening notes of apricot, apple, and strawberry are reminiscent of the pastel colors and intricate designs of traditional sweets. In its heart, a delicious and elegant talcum-powdered- scented-iris cloud brings to mind the stillness and serenity of an ancient tea ceremony. A perfume that melts away worries and feels like the gentile clink of a teacup set upon a light wooden tray.

Top Notes: Apricot, Apple, Strawberry; Middle Notes: Maple, Rose, Benzoin, Peach; Last Notes: Vanilla, Tonka Beans, CedarWood, Iris

J-Scent stand during Esxence 2023

J-Scent Perfumes stand during Esxence 2023, photo by Nicoleta

During the last few years, I have been very interested in the rising trend of Asian skincare, with its meticulous multi-step routines and natural ingredients like snail mucin, rice water, green tea, and ginseng, and the way it mirrors a cultural reverence for patience and dedication to perfection. It was not a journey that was just about achieving radiant skin; it was an ongoing meditative process, a daily act of self-care and respect. Similarly, Asian scents, often subtle, introspective, and deeply connected to nature, convey stories and emotions in the most delicate of whispers. They echo the Japanese art of “wabi-sabi” – finding beauty in imperfection and profundity in nature and signify a broader shift – a move away from the loud and loud and ostentatious towards a quieter, more thoughtful approach to beauty and self-expression. J-Scents Perfumes are a harmonious blend of age-old traditions with modern sensibilities, taking the wearer on a journey inward, on the path to find balance and serenity. They are a breath of silent poetry, bringing to light reflections of a world where the lines between East and West are not just blurring but intertwining in beautiful, unexpected ways.

The brand ethos reads: J-Scent perfumes are created with the theme of traditional Japanese fragrances. Not mixing. Blending. In harmony with nature. It’s not splashing on a perfume to stand out, but wearing the fragrance as part of your daily life. Naturally. As part of you. This fragrance becomes one with nature, one with your life.

Nicoleta Tomsa, Senior Editor

Disclosure: Samples gifted by the brand; opinions are my own

Thanks to the generosity of team members, we have samples of J-Scent Perfumes Sumo Wrestler, Koiame, and Rakuga for a registered reader in the USA or EU. You must register or your entry will not count To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Nicoleta’s reviews and which of the three she chose appeals to you the most?  Are you familiar with J-Scent perfumes? Giveaway closes 9/9/2023

Available to buy or test at Luckyscent in the USA, Fragrance Vault and on J-Scent site here

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16 comments

  • AnnieGRl says:

    I never heard of J-Scent perfumes, but kolame really appeals to me since it means rain. It is really hot here in NJ Its refreshing bubble will make you feel as refreshed as running barefoot, in a summer rainstorm, on a green meadow
    Yes Please. Going to check the entire line out at Lucky Scent

  • olgAPOISON says:

    Oh my god, yesss, J-Scent! This was a really fun read. Everything i heard about them seems cool.Sumo Wrestler is fave bc of the orange and cinnamon. Would love this, from eu

  • ScentedKnits says:

    This brand has been on my radar for a couple of years but I haven’t had the chance to sample the fragrances. They all sound appealing, but the idea of Rakugan evoking a tea ceremony has me hooked. I live in the US.

  • Jeremi says:

    The deep dive into the background of these masterpiece fragrances really sparked my interest, they for sure evoke the Japanese spirit. This review was a real cultural journey. Koiame appeals to me the most because I find rain very relaxing and soothing especially after a very dry and hot summer, it can really hypnotize you and let you be free from daily struggles at least for a moment. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU. I’m not familiar with J-Scent but now I’m really fascinated by this intriguing house.

  • mdellaroc says:

    I think Koiami appeals to me the most, although they all sound very interesting. Right now, in this heat, rain sounds lovely and refreshing so I am sure I am being swayed. Although I like many strong scents I do wear them as part of who I am, as my nature. In maryland.

  • Karen Ruano says:

    I have heard of J Scent, in particular their green tea fragrance, the name is slipping my mind at the moment. The scent that spoke to me the most is Koiami, the notes sound like something I would be very much enjoy!

  • Naomi says:

    I appreciate the harmonious and gentle nature of these fragrances as described by Nicoleta. Some of those described earlier in the article – Hanamizake and Yawahada – also sounded lovely. Koiame definitely interests me the most of the three samples being offered up. Thank you for this generous draw! I live in NH, USA

  • cynthmarie says:

    I love my bottle of Roasted Green Tea and Sumo Wrestler sounds very nice to try. Musks and clean herbs sound refreshing. Everything from the simple bottles to the understated scent aesthetic appeals to me. Something about it just says relaxing.

  • mmerline says:

    Nicoleta’s description of all the options available at the J-Scent Perfumes booth is an attention grabbing survey of the brand’s varied catalogue. Roasted Green Tea and Ramune are particularly intriguing (though I normally don’t wear gourmands). And that list just introduced Nicoleta’s three picks for this post! Of these three selections, I’d most like to try Sumo Wrestler. Some highlights that stand out: the addition of a surprising bintsuke note in Sumo Wrestler; Koiame’s fruity watercolor take on petrichor; the powdery iris at the heart of a gourmand in Rakugan (a clever juxtaposition that surely makes it more balanced to wear than something sticky sweet).”J-Scent perfumes are created with the theme of traditional Japanese fragrances. Not mixing. Blending.” That’s an approach I appreciate.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the review, Nicoleta!

  • Ken White says:

    I’m not familiar with J Scent, but the brand seems incredibly intriguing! I have a deep appreciation for all things Japanese, and the unique sweets associated with the tea ceremony have always captivated me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a delightful experience! Representing New Jersey, USA.

  • cnii says:

    What an exciting review and giveaway, I’ve been curious about J-Scent recently and considering putting them on my to-sample list! Sumo Wrestler, Koiame, and Ragkuga all sound special, and very different from each other. I think Sumo Wrestler is probably the one that appeals to me the most: both the name and the note of eucalyptus (A smell I love). They all sound like fragrances I’d like to try, though.
    I’m in WV, USA

  • zazazelle says:

    This is such an exciting intro to a unknown Japanese brand and Japanese lifestyle! “It’s not splashing on a perfume to stand out, but wearing the fragrance as part of your daily life. Naturally. As part of you. This fragrance becomes one with nature, one with your life.”
    I feel particularly attracted to Roasted Green Tea (because i love tea), from your selection – to Koiame (citrus and floral notes blended with mossy ones sounds appealing).
    Thank you for the review and giveaway!
    Latvia, EU

  • amanna says:

    After living in Japan for a number of years, I came to appreciate certain things about Japanese aesthetics – which, as Nicoleta mentions, derive from harmony in nature. I’m not familiar with J-Scent but I would love to try their fragrances to see how this harmony plays out!

    Of these three fragrances highlighted here, I’m most interested in Sumo Wrestler. I love the idea of attempting to capture the dichotomies of the sport in scent – strength and gentle warmth.

    Best wishes from the US!

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Thanks Nicoleta for narrowing this line down to your 3 favorites. I’ve seen these on Luckyscent before, but didn’t know where to start. Not surprised their best seller is a green tea scent. I don’t own any Japanese fragrances. Of the 3 recommended fragrances, Rakugan most appeals to me to melt my cares away. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • katyakotovskaya says:

    The idea of a Koiame perfume that captures the essence of a refreshing summer rainstorm sounds incredibly appealing. Especially with the hot days here in Europe and the lack of air conditioning in old buildings like mine. A perfume that can evoke the feeling of a cool, refreshing rainstorm would be a welcome addition to combat the heat! Now I’ll have to see if I can find J-Scent perfumes around… I live in EU

  • krequejo512 says:

    Rakugan definitely speaks to me the most! I live in texas so its kind of hard to wear sweet fragrances but hearing how light this one is to be worn in high temperatures sounds amazing. All of these fragrances sound amazing and beautifully crafted. Very fun read.