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, 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, 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 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 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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