#Japan #Tokyo #KAORIUM #SCENTMATIC #Olfactory Research

Introduction

In an exciting development in the field of olfactory research, Tokyo University's Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, led by Professor Kazunari Higashihara, has partnered with SCENTMATIC Inc., an innovative company specializing in AI-driven scent technology. Their collaborative research aims to explore the social value of KAORIUM, an AI system designed to translate scents into verbal language. The findings were presented at the 59th annual conference of the Japanese Society of Taste and Smell (JASTS 2025), held at Osaka University from September 8 to September 10, 2025.

Presentation Details

Conference Name: 2025 Japanese Society of Taste and Smell Annual Conference (JASTS 2025)
Presentation Format: Poster Presentation
Official Conference Website: JASTS 2025
Date of Presentation: September 8-10, 2025
Collaborating Institutes: Tokyo University Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences (Professor Kazunari Higashihara and Associate Professor Masako Okamoto) and SCENTMATIC Inc.

Research Focus: Olfactory Perception and Brain Activity

The collaborative study seeks to explore how individuals perceive scents and the underlying changes in brain activity. When we encounter a scent, we either focus on what it is—like the aroma of an apple—or how it makes us feel—such as a calming scent. This research highlights the difference in cognitive processes and how they may influence neural responses to similar smells. Despite the importance of this inquiry, the specifics of how our brains process scents based on these focal differences remain underexplored.

Experiment Overview

The research involved 33 participants undergoing functional MRI (fMRI) scans to measure brain activity. Participants were shown two types of scent evaluation instructions on a screen:
1. Source Condition (What kind of scent is being presented?)
2. Impression Condition (What mood does this scent evoke?)
Four distinct scents were used as stimuli, allowing for comparative analysis of brain activity during evaluations. Various brain analysis techniques were employed, including General Linear Model (GLM) analysis, functional connectivity analysis, and multivariate analysis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to understanding neural processing.

Key Findings

The human olfactory system modifies its processing based on the cognitive context that guides our attention to different aspects of a scent.
* Scents are closely intertwined with human emotions and memories, suggesting significant implications for how we relate to olfactory experiences.

These findings reinforce the neural activity experienced by individuals using KAORIUM to verbalize scents, lending scientific support for the experiential value offered by this product. Furthermore, insights gained from this research are expected to have broader applications in the development of olfactory interfaces and sensory information processing in future endeavors.

Insights from Professors and Experts

In an enlightening dialogue between Professor Higashihara and former SCENTMATIC director Watanabe, the potential social value derived from KAORIUM was discussed. The conversation centered around the impact of this innovative scent technology on human brain activity, the subsequent effects, and how the findings could be applied within social structures. The idea of digitalizing olfactory experiences through AI opens new pathways for creative marketing, mental well-being, and enhanced consumer interaction.

About SCENTMATIC Inc.

SCENTMATIC Inc. focuses on redefining scent experiences through its AI system KAORIUM. By digitizing olfactory experiences, the company aims to enhance human sensitivity and deliver innovative solutions across various business scenarios. Their transformative approach has garnered international accolades, earning a Silver Award at the prestigious A’ Design Award.

Representative: Toshiro Kurisu
Location: 3F, 4-22-7 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0013, Japan
Website: SCENTMATIC

Overall, the collaboration between Tokyo University and SCENTMATIC marks a significant step towards understanding the intriguing world of olfactory perception and its implications for society and technology.