#Japan #Osaka #Osaka Expo #SHISEIDO #Grid Scent

Exploring Emotional Connections Through Scent

At the ongoing 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Sony's cutting-edge scent control technology, known as Grid Scent™, is being utilized in the signature pavilion created by Naomi Kawase, called "Dialogue Theater – a Testament to Life." From July 11 to 14, Shiseido will conduct an experimental trial titled "Emotional Experience Through Scent," inviting attendees to engage in meaningful conversations while experiencing the impact of scents on emotional connections.

The Experiment: Engaging Conversations and Scent

During this four-day event, a participant will be randomly selected from the audience to engage in dialogue with a stranger on a theme related to beauty. This unique interaction will be visually displayed, and the core objective of the experiment is to analyze whether scents can enhance emotional connections between people. Using Sony’s Grid Scent technology, various fragrances will be released in response to the participants' levels of empathy throughout their conversation. This initiative aims to validate the influence of scent on human relationships through innovative technology.

The Structure of the Experiment

The Dialogue Theater will be set up to facilitate this comprehension experiment. Participants will be able to share their thoughts and feelings as they interact, while the Grid Scent device actively monitors their emotional engagement. The system captures emotional data from their expressions, calculating the degree of empathy felt and releasing appropriate scents at the right moments—creating a deeper olfactory connection between the two people involved.


Atmosphere of the Dialogue Theater

Permanent Experience Throughout the Expo

In addition to the experimental trial, a permanent exhibition will be available from April 13 to October 13, 2025, at the pavilion's "Forest Gathering Place." Here, visitors can partake in a similar experience of emotional engagement through scent. In this setup, attendees will sit facing each other and engage freely in conversation.

During these sessions, Shiseido's research technology will analyze the emotional signals conveyed through facial expressions. As empathy is detected during the conversation, the Grid Scent will release the corresponding aromas. Participants will receive feedback after their interaction, showcasing details on how many times scents were released and the highest level of empathy achieved during their exchange.

What is Grid Scent?

Grid Scent is a scent distribution device powered by Sony's proprietary scent control technology, Tensor Valve. This state-of-the-art device allows for on-demand scent delivery in various spatial contexts. It represents a significant advancement in sensory experience, reimagining how people relate to one another through the sense of smell.

Sony is committed to fostering new experiential values through scent and making valuable contributions toward a richer society. The collaboration with Shiseido exemplifies the potential of scent technology to enhance human connections in innovative and engaging ways.

Event Details

• - Title: Emotional Experience Through Scent
• - Duration: July 11 (Friday) – July 14 (Monday), 2025
• - Location: Dialogue Theater – a Testament to Life, Signature Pavilion, Osaka-Kansai Expo
• - Cost: Free

Permanent Experience in the Forest Gathering Place

• - Duration: April 13 (Sunday), 2025 – October 13 (Monday), 2025
• - Location: Forest Gathering Place, Signature Pavilion, Osaka-Kansai Expo
• - Cost: Free

For participants seeking to coexist and connect through shared emotional experiences, this innovative trial promises to be an unforgettable encounter crafted uniquely by the synergy of technology and sensory engagement.