#Japan #Hiroshima #SCENTMATIC #Aroma Classes #Sensory Education

SCENTMATIC's Fragrance Classes at Fuchu Meikyo Academy

In a remarkable initiative aimed at enhancing sensory education, SCENTMATIC Inc., led by President Toshiharu Kurisu, organized a unique program called "Fragrance Classes" on April 21, 2025, at Fuchu Meikyo Academy in Hiroshima Prefecture. This program targeted 24 sixth-grade students and invites participants to weave stories inspired by scents, cultivating their creativity and enhancing their connection to their hometown.

Creating a New Learning Experience

The Fragrance Classes, part of a collaborative community transformation project between local government and private enterprises, focus on expanding the possibilities of olfactory experiences that traditional education might overlook. Since 2021, SCENTMATIC has partnered with educational institutions nationwide to provide students with opportunities to engage their sense of smell and deepen their attachment to their local environment through scents specific to their areas.

This particular session was famously collaborated with a team from the local government and various companies, including Otafuku Sauce Co., Calbee Inc., Hiroshima Gas Co., West Japan Railway Company, and Hiromatsu Holdings Co. Together, they aimed to give children a unique perspective on the industries, resources, and culture of Fuchu City through a fresh olfactory approach.

Students also enjoyed a hands-on experience with different types of wood, graciously provided by local companies Toyoda Industries Co. and Michida Lumber Co. The children had the opportunity to explore the fragrances of different woods like cypress, hinoki, cedar, and fir, making the lesson both educational and enjoyable.

The Flow of the Aroma Program

The structure of the Fragrance Classes was designed to stimulate creativity through scent:

1. Close your eyes and concentrate solely on the fragrance.
2. Jot down any images or scenes that come to mind.
3. Choose your favorite words from your notes to create a story.
4. Present your finished original story.

Students' Feedback on the Fragrance Classes

The students shared their thoughts after the program, reflecting on the diversity of scents and their experiences in creating stories. For example, one student remarked on how interesting it was that the different types of wood emitted entirely different aromas. The initial images that came to mind included "after the rain," "autumn morning," and a local playground called Pom Pom. They expressed their excitement about how they could combine smells with storytelling to craft narratives that highlight their imagination.

Another student recounted how the sweet smell of pine inspired a tale of a squirrel loving the honey from the pine tree. The narrative evolved to involve a tiger who joined the squirrel in enjoying the honey - a heartwarming story that illustrated the creative potential of scents.

Revitalizing Minds through Scent and Language

SCENTMATIC has been collaborating with the University of Tokyo since 2020, exploring how scent and language can activate different areas of the human brain. Insights from this collaborative research led to the creation of this unique educational program. By engaging students in the interplay between olfactory experiences and storytelling, SCENTMATIC hopes to cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and creativity among young learners.

For more insights and updates, check out the recent discussion featuring Professor Kazunari Toyohara from Tokyo University and SCENTMATIC's Executive Officer, Watanabe.

About SCENTMATIC

Founded in 2019, SCENTMATIC Inc. aims to infuse emotional value into various experiences by utilizing an AI system that articulates scents. Their focus on "the digitalization of smell" endeavors to evolve human sensitivity and bring about innovation across diverse industries through sensory experiences.

Contact:
President: Toshiharu Kurisu
Location: 4-22-7 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0013, Japan
Website: SCENTMATIC