Fukushima High School Students Launch Unique Aromatherapy Project in Collaboration with Local Businesses

High School Students in Fukushima Launch Crowdfunding for 'Youth's Scent'

In an inspiring blend of education and entrepreneurship, a group of high school students from Seiko Gakuin High School in Date City, Fukushima, has embarked on an innovative crowdfunding initiative. This project, dubbed "Seiko Gakuin Mirai Lab 2025," is spearheaded by Mirai Kuru Lab, a company dedicated to developing entrepreneurship programs for youth. The crowdfunding campaign was initiated on October 2, 2025, on the platform CAMPFIRE, aiming to gather support to develop a unique aromatherapy product named "Youth's Scent."

Background of the Project

The initiative is part of a broader educational program by Mirai Kuru Lab, which was established as a subsidiary of Tsukurie, a company based in Tokyo. In 2024, the two entities entered into a collaborative agreement with Seiko Gakuin High School and Hidane LLC, aiming to create an integrated system for nurturing lasting entrepreneurial spirit among students. This project is designed not merely as an isolated educational enterprise but as a continual engagement between the students and their community, promoting local business collaboration.

The Journey of Product Development

The project revolves around 10 first-year high school students tasked with turning their vision of "Youth's Scent" into a tangible product. Through a series of hands-on workshops over 13 sessions spanning approximately 26 hours, these students engaged in activities ranging from conceptualization of ideas to fragrance blending workshops, ultimately deciding that their theme would represent the excitement and ambiance of a summer fireworks festival. They aimed to capture this essence through scents that evoke nostalgia and joy.

Three types of fragrance prototypes were developed, categorized into woody, citrus, and herbal profiles, with the aim to culminate in a final product that symbolizes youth. The fragrance assembly was supervised by Kotaro Ohshima from the Natura Distill distillery in Kawauchi Village, ensuring that the local flavors and aromas of Date City, such as those derived from peach seeds, were seamlessly incorporated.

Community Engagement and Feedback Collection

The first unveiling of the prototypes occurred at the Date Now Cultural Festival and the Fukushima Three Major Chicken Festival held on September 27, 2025. The attendees not only enjoyed experiencing the different scents but also participated in a feedback survey that attracted 209 responses. These insights will guide the final adjustments before mass production.

Additionally, the event served as a platform for engaging the public through free workshops, enabling participants to craft their own aromatherapy sprays—a way of making the aromatic experience accessible and enjoyable to the broader community, with over 240 attendees taking part.

Crowdfunding Campaign Features

The crowdfunding project aims to raise 1 million yen (approximately $9,000). Contributions will support the expenses associated with refining the product prototypes, exhibition costs, and marketing efforts. Contributors will receive various rewards, including the finished "Youth's Scent" aroma spray, a handmade drawstring bag dyed with local fruits, and wooden diffusers made from Date City's native cedar, highlighting the integration of local craftsmanship with the students' entrepreneurial endeavors.

Broader Implications

As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of local products and community-driven initiatives, this project stands as a testament to the capabilities of young entrepreneurs. The students’ journey through this program not only invites continual learning experiences but also empowers them to connect their ambitions with the realities of the business world. Furthermore, this crowdfunding initiative is not just about selling a product; it’s about investing in the education and future of these students, enabling them to forge meaningful connections with their society.

This innovative project exemplifies how local youths can combine enthusiasm, creativity, and community ties to produce something truly impactful. We invite everyone to support these future leaders through the crowdfunding campaign and witness their dreams turn into reality.

For more details, and to contribute to this transformative initiative, visit the project page on CAMPFIRE.