11 Popular Japanese Perfume Brands (The Art of Fragrance)

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A beautiful scent is distinctive and captivates the senses.

In Japan, fine fragrances are especially esteemed.

Popular Japanese perfume brands
Popular Japanese perfume brands

Many Japanese perfume brands have become international favorites, popular with men and women across the world.

In this article, we keep you up to date with 11 Japanese perfume brands popular right now.

11 Japanese perfume brands popular right now

These 11 Japanese perfume brands have been created by some of Japan’s leading perfumers and fashion designers.

Japanese perfume brand guide
Japanese perfume

Many are influenced by the incense trade that has flourished in Japan for hundreds of years.

Learn about these popular Japanese fragrances that have become contemporary classics.

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1. Kenzo 

Headquarters Paris, France
Founded1970
FounderKenzo Takada
Number of fragrances 150
URLwww.kenzo.com/uk/en/home
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/kenzo/

The Kenzo fashion house was founded by the Japanese designer Kenzo Takada in the 1970s.

It is now owned by LVMH but retains its distinctive Japanese aesthetic.

Kenzo has produced over 150 fragrances including the bestselling Flower by Kenzo fragrance that has sold over 15 million bottles since it was released in 2000.

Best Seller
Kenzo Flower By Kenzo For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.7 Ounces
$38.99 ($22.94 / Fl Oz)
  • Clear and unusual, Flower by Kenzo links nature with city, emotions with a high-paced contemporary city life
  • This powdery floral scent is built on three basic notes
  • Floral note revolves around Parma violet, gentle wild Hawthorne, cassis and Bulgarian rose
  • Flower was launched by the design house of Kenzo


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03/12/2024 05:08 am GMT

2. Sholayered 

Headquarters Tokyo, Japan
Founded2013
FounderSho Ishizaka 
ProductsPersonal fragrance
Home fragrance
Body Care products
URLhttps://sholayered.jp/
Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/sholayered_official/

Sholayered is an authentically Japanese, luxury perfume brand that is inspired by the incense-making of Japan.

It was founded by Sho Ishizaka in 2013 and has since gone from strength to strength with its range of carefully layered delicate fragrances.

The brand is minimalist and stylish, with a range of fragrances for men and women. 

Great Amazon Reviews
Layered Fragrance SHOLAYERED Body Spray

A Milder Form of Perfume: Unlike other heavily scented colognes.

SHOLAYERED is a fashionable Japanese fragrance line that was established in Tokyo in 2013 with a unique focus on fostering tranquility and simplicity through the art of scent.


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3. Shiseido 

Headquarters Chūō, Tokyo, Japan
Founded1872
FounderArinobu Fukuhara
ProductsSkincare products
Hair care products
Fragrances
Cosmetics
URLhttps://brand.shiseido.co.jp/
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/shiseido_japan/

Shiseido is one of Japan’s oldest cosmetics companies.

It was founded by a pharmacist in 1872 and has grown to become one of the world’s leading cosmetics manufacturers.

Shiseido produces over 74 perfumes, with their first fragrance created in 1917.

Their specialty is floral perfumes that appeal to Japanese taste but are now popular globally. 

Shiseido Zen Eau De Parfum – 3.3 fl oz

Shiseido’s perfumes are known for their high quality and unique scents, which often draw inspiration from Japanese culture and nature.

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4. Keiko Mecheri

Headquarters Los Angeles, California,
Founded1997
FounderKeiko Mecheri
ProductsPersonal fragrance
Home fragrance
Body Care products
URLwww.keikomecheri.com/
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/keikomecheri/

Perfumer Keiko Mecheri founded her eponymous company with her husband in 1997 after they both left their jobs in tech.

The brand has gone from strength to strength, due to the nuanced home and personal fragrances they have developed.

Many of her scents are inspired by the Japanese Riviera where she was brought up. 

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03/12/2024 11:01 am GMT

5. Perfume Satori

Headquarters OURS 2F, 3-6-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Founded2000
FounderSatori Osawa
ProductsPerfume
URLparfum-satori.com
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/parfumsatori_official/?hl=en

Perfume Satori is the perfume atelier of Satori Osawa from Tokyo.

She is a French-trained perfumer but draws from a deep knowledge of Japanese botanicals which she has studied since childhood.

Inspiration for her classically Japanese fragrances include incense, the tea ceremony, and flower arranging.

Her rare and exclusive fragrances can cost as much as $800!

Popular Satori fragrance

Teapot type perfume Satori cherry blossom pattern

  • A traditional Japanese teapot filled with a classic Satori fragrance
  • Finest Kyara (agarwood tree)
  • Teapot is decorated with cherry blossoms

6. Issey Miyake 

Headquarters Tokyo, Japan
Founded1970
FounderIssey Miyake 
ProductsFashionFragrance 
URLhttps://www.isseymiyakeparfums.com/
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/isseymiyakeparfums

Issey Miyake is a legendary Japanese fashion designer, known for his exquisitely pleated clothing and iconic fragrances.

His L’eau d’Issey has eclipsed his fashion in prominence and popularity. 

The Issey Miyake fragrances for men and women were created by the perfumer Jacques Cavallier and are produced by Shiseido.

There are numerous limited-edition fragrances that are created in collaboration with a range of guest perfumers.

Issey Miyake L'eau D'issey Fragrance for Women
$48.60 ($14.73 / Fl. Oz)

AQUATIC INSPIRATION : The House of Issey Miyake created a fragrance for women that was meant to be “ as clear as spring water”. With this theme they created a flora-aquatic masterpiece that has become a beloved product.


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03/12/2024 12:08 pm GMT

7. DI SER

Headquarters Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Founded1999
FounderYasuyuki Shinohara
ProductsNatural pharmacy
Organic cosmetics
Fragrances
Health foods
URLwww.diser-parfum.com
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/diser.essentia

DI SER  is an ultra-niche Japanese perfume company that specializes in fragrances made from natural fragrances.

The company also has a natural pharmacy called Essentia Ltd which sells herbal medicines. 

All ingredients in DI SER fragrances have been gathered in Japan.

Essential oils are carefully blended to create unique fragrances that are beautifully bottled on the island of Hokkaido.

The scents, costing almost $1000, are available internationally from specialist retailers. 

Popular DI SER fragrance

Kyara fragrance

  • Pure Kyara and Agarwood
  • Rose and cedar notes
  • Inspired by Japanese incense

8. Miya Shinma

Headquarters 320, rue Saint-Honoré 75001 Paris
Founded1999
FounderMiya Shinma
ProductsPerfume
Perfumed card
Perfumed pearls
Incense
Perfumed fans
URLen.miyashinma.fr/
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/miyashinma/

Miya Shinma is a Japanese perfumer who set up her eponymous fragrance atelier in Paris in 1999.

Her distinctively Japanese fragrances are inspired by her childhood in Shizuoka and her studies in Kyoto.

She divides her time between France and Japan and has developed unique fragranced products like incense, pearls, and elaborate fans.

Popular Miya Shinma fragrance

HANA (Flower) fragrance

  • A nuanced floral fragrance
  • Iris, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and rose fragrances
  • For women

9. Hanae Mori

Headquarters Paris, France
Founded1951
FounderHanae Mori
ProductsPersonal fragrance
URLhanaemoriparfums.com/
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/hanaemoriparfums/

Hanae Mori was one of Japan’s most famous female couturiers dressing famous women like Empress Masako and Grace Kelly.

She became internationally acclaimed in the 1970, receiving numerous honors from the Japanese government.

Mori’s classic perfumes were launched in the 1990s, and have continued to be popular with discerning buyers. 

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03/12/2024 03:08 pm GMT

10. Annayake

Headquarters Paris, France
Founded2022
FounderSuzuki
ProductsSkincare 
Body care
Personal fragrance 
URLannayake.com/en/
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/annayake.official/?hl=en

Annayake is a Japanese cosmetics company that was founded when a pharmacist created a beauty cream for his wife.

It is now well known for its fragrances and collaborations with leading french perfumers.

Launched in 2000, there are now more than 40 fragrances to choose from.

Popular Annayake fragrance

Annayake Tsukiyo by Annayake 

  • Eau de parfum spray
  • 3.4 fluid ounce bottle
  • Delicate vanilla fragrance
  • For women

11. CANMAKE

Headquarters Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Founded1985
FounderIDA Laboratories
ProductsCosmetics
Makeup tools
Perfume
URLwww.canmake.com
Social Mediawww.instagram.com/canmaketokyo

CANMAKE is a leading Japanese drugstore cosmetics company.

It was founded by IDA Laboratories in 1985 and has grown to become  a popular brand across Asia. 

CANMAKE perfumes are pleasant and affordable. They have an extremely wide appeal, though they are not premium.

Rather than eau de parfum or eau de toilette, CANMAKE produces fragrance water that is cheaper but less lasting fragrance. 

Best
CANMAKE Make Me Happy Eau De Toilette 0.2 fl oz

A body mist that you can use instead of perfume. Gently scented, so even those who dislike strong perfumes can enjoy it. Compact size makes it handy to keep in your make-up pouch.

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Japanese Perfume Brand Facts

  1. Japanese perfume brands are known for their unique and innovative fragrances that often draw inspiration from Japanese culture and nature.
  2. One of the most famous Japanese perfume brands is Shiseido, which was founded in 1872 and is known for its high-quality fragrances.
  3. Another popular Japanese perfume brand is Comme des Garçons, which was founded in 1969 and is known for its avant-garde fragrances that often challenge traditional notions of scent.
  4. Japanese perfume brands often use natural ingredients in their fragrances, such as yuzu, sakura, and green tea, which are all native to Japan.
  5. The Japanese approach to perfume is often more subtle and understated than in Western countries, with a focus on creating fragrances that complement rather than overpower the natural scent of the wearer.
  6. Many Japanese perfume brands are also known for their minimalist and elegant packaging, which often features simple, clean lines and muted colors.
  7. Japanese perfumes are often sold in traditional Japanese department stores, which offer a unique shopping experience that combines modern luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetics.
  8. Some Japanese perfume brands, such as Di Ser and Parfum Satori, are dedicated to creating fragrances that capture the essence of specific regions in Japan, such as Kyoto or Hokkaido.
  9. Japanese perfume brands are gaining popularity around the world, with many Western consumers drawn to their unique scents and minimalist packaging.
  10. Japanese perfume brands are often associated with quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, reflecting the values of Japanese culture as a whole.

Conclusion and final thoughts

These gorgeous Japanese fragrances are perfect for a special fragrance or signature scent. Many are classics, but all are popular right now.

They are perfect for the collection of any perfume lover who wants to experience the beauty and culture of Japan through fragrance. 

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