Scentmatic Launches Innovative Aroma Education Program for Students in Fukui

Scentmatic's Aroma Class: Unleashing Creativity through Scents

On June 23, 2026, Scentmatic Inc., under the leadership of President Toshiharu Kurisu and headquartered in Tokyo, unveiled an innovative sensory education program titled "Aroma Class" at Mikata Elementary School in Wakasa, Fukui. This enriching experience targeted 46 students from the fourth and fifth grades, allowing them to weave words and craft their personal stories inspired by unique scents.

Embracing the Scent of Fully Ripe Plums

Having collaborated with the town's Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Department, this year marked the third edition of the Aroma Class, which aims to explore the potential of the olfactory realm that conventional education often overlooks. Since 2021, Scentmatic has partnered with educational institutions across the nation, fostering a deeper connection to children's hometowns through local scents.

In alignment with the town’s ordinance promoting the cultivation of local specialty plums known as "Umeiku," previous sessions had taken place at Ume no Sato Elementary School. However, the Aroma Class was held for the first time at Mikata Elementary School this year. In a strategic decision, the program utilized the richly fragrant fully ripe plums, waiting for the optimal moment to capture their aroma. This unique approach encouraged children to center their experiences around scents rather than visual or tactile cues, igniting their imaginations in a way that was both refreshing and novel.

The Aroma Class: Program Overview

The Aroma Class unfolds through distinct phases:
1. Focus on the Aroma: Students are instructed to close their eyes and concentrate solely on the scent.
2. Imagination Unleashed: They freely jot down any images or scenes that come to mind.
3. Story Creation: From their notes, students select words to weave into a coherent story.
4. Sharing Together: The final step involves sharing their original creations with classmates.

Harnessing Research on Olfactory Perception

Scentmatic's initiative is backed by a joint research project conducted with the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, led by Dr. Kazunari Higashihara since 2020. This collaboration has enabled Scentmatic to integrate cutting-edge insights into the connections between scent and brain activity into their educational framework.

For detailed research results, visit their website: Scentmatic Research.

Feedback from Participants

The Aroma Class left a mark on students who expressed their joy in the creative process through scent exploration.

One student commented, "I loved imagining freely while enjoying the scent. I could hear the sound of the wind and picture cosmos flowers. It was so calming, and I developed a deeper fondness for the plum scent!" Another shared, "When I smelled the plums, I could hear the rhythm of the shuttle run in gym class. I wrote about a boy named Plum-kun who made a pact with his crush to go out if he won first place in gym class. Everyone laughed when I shared my story, and I was happy!"

After the session, the children enjoyed taking a commemorative photo while holding the aromatic plums, making lasting memories tied to their hometown.

Comments from Local Officials

Employees from the Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Department, including Ms. Takahashi and Mr. Iwasaki, expressed gratitude for hosting the Aroma Class in Wakasa once again. They emphasized the importance of keeping the scent of their hometown alive in the children’s memories, wishing for it to flourish even as they grow into adulthood.

"This experience provides a valuable opportunity to let those outside our region know that Wakasa is a significant plum-producing area in western Japan. We look forward to welcoming the program next year, too!" they remarked.

About Scentmatic Inc.

Scentmatic is a pioneering company that leverages AI named "KAORIUM" to articulate aromas, creating new scent experiences. Their approach to digitizing olfactory experiences engages human sensibilities, which can be utilized across various business scenarios. The KAORIUM has also won a Silver Award at the prestigious A’ Design Award. In addition, they are conducting joint research with the University of Tokyo on the impacts of language on scent perception.

To learn more, visit: Scentmatic's Official Website.