#Japan #SCENTMATIC #Wakasa Town #Aroma Education

Scentmatic's Inspirational Olfactory Class

On June 20, 2025, Scentmatic, a pioneering company specializing in olfactory experiences, hosted an innovative program called "Scent Class" at the Wakasa Town Ume no Sato Elementary School in Fukui Prefecture. This unique educational initiative involved 15 fifth graders who engaged in creative storytelling through the medium of scent while holding fresh green ume (Japanese plums) harvested from their local area.

Scentmatic, led by CEO Toshiharu Kurisu and headquartered in Tokyo, has been offering fragrance education since 2021, focusing on expanding the sensory experiences that traditional education overlooks. With the aim of strengthening local connections, this class was a remarkable opportunity that not only stimulated students' imaginations but also fostered a greater appreciation for their community’s agricultural heritage.

This year's program was the second collaboration with Wakasa Town, closely tied to the local ordinance known as "Umeiku," promoting community involvement in enhancing the region’s ume production. Collaborating with the town’s Agricultural, Forestry, and Fisheries Department and local producers, the class used the renowned "Kōei" variety of ume, known for its premium quality.

A Unique Approach to Learning

Students participated in a series of activities designed to connect scents with their emotions and imagination:

1. Focus on Scent: With their eyes closed, students were encouraged to concentrate solely on the aroma.
2. Expressing Impressions: They freely wrote down the images and feelings that the scents evoked.
3. Crafting Stories: From their notes, they selected their favorite words to create unique narratives.
4. Sharing Creations: Finally, students presented their original stories to the class, fostering collaboration and creativity.

These activities were grounded in research conducted with the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, specifically from the laboratory of Kazunari Higahara, a leading figure in olfactory studies. Recent findings suggest that simultaneous exposure to scents and words activates various areas of the brain, affirming the program's innovative approach to education.

Student Experience and Feedback

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One fifth-grade girl reflected, "I didn't like umeboshi (pickled plums), but I enjoyed creating stories with the scents. I’ve come to like ume more now!" Meanwhile, a fourth-grade boy noted, "I had no idea that plums could smell so sweet. Moving forward, I want to explore different scents around me."

Comments from the homeroom teacher, Mr. Saito, indicated that the students were positively impacted by the previous year's session, which made for an engaging and fruitful experience this year. He stated, "I was initially concerned that the children would struggle to write their stories, but it was wonderful to witness their enthusiasm and creativity shining through."

Scentmatic's Vision

Founded in 2019, Scentmatic aims to enrich emotional experiences by digitalizing scents and enhancing sensory perception across various industries. Using an AI system to articulate scents, Scentmatic seeks to revolutionize the way people interact with scents and words, opening new avenues in experience design.

With President Toshiharu Kurisu at the helm, Scentmatic is paving the way for a new sensory future, one that integrates the beauty of olfactory experiences into our everyday lives and education. For more details about this innovative company and their projects, visit their website at Scentmatic.

Conclusion

Through immersive programs like the "Scent Class," Scentmatic not only educates children in creative and meaningful ways but also deepens their connection to their local culture and environment. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a generation attuned to the subtleties of their sensory world, ultimately enriching their life experiences.