Fragrance Day (Kaori no Hi)
OtherLast updated:
October 30 Is "Fragrance Day": Its Origin and Purpose
October 30 is "Fragrance Day" in Japan, established to draw attention to scents in everyday life and to spread fragrance culture. Its official name is "Kaori no Kinenbi" (Fragrance Anniversary), and it was established by Nanao City in Ishikawa Prefecture. On October 30, 1992 (Heisei 4), the "World Fragrance Fair in Noto" was held in Nanao as part of the 7th National Cultural Festival in Ishikawa - the first fragrance event in the festival's history.
Compared with the other senses, smell is said to be closely connected to the parts of the brain involved in emotion and memory. Many people have had the experience of a scent suddenly bringing back an old memory.
Nanao City and Fragrance
Inspired by the fair, Nanao established Fragrance Day and has pursued community development themed around fragrance, promoting scent culture through contests for fragrance-themed works and goods.
Types of Scents and How to Enjoy Them
Many people would like to bring a new scent into their lives on Fragrance Day but don't know where to start. Since people perceive scents differently, the basic rule is to choose one you personally find pleasant. Easy-to-use items such as aroma stones and reed diffusers are increasingly available.
Major Scent Families
| Scent family | Examples | Character | Example scenes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floral | Lavender, rose | Sweet, soft, flower-like | Before bed, after a bath |
| Citrus | Bergamot, grapefruit | Fresh and light | Getting ready in the morning, work breaks |
| Woody | Hinoki cypress, sandalwood | Calm, woodsy | Reading, relaxing |
| Herbal | Peppermint, eucalyptus | Clean and cool | A change of mood, cleaning |
Three Easy Ways to Enjoy Fragrance
- Scented bath time: Enjoy the scent rising with the steam from bath salts or bath additives. Adding essential oils directly to the bath can irritate the skin, so check the instructions.
- Scented oshibori: This pairs well with Oshibori Day on October 29. A light touch of scent on a warm towel makes for a relaxing break.
- Pillow mist: Spray a little on your pillow or sheets and drift off surrounded by a scent you like.
In recent years, more services will blend a personal fragrance based on your preferences, making the search for "your own scent" another way to enjoy fragrance.
Precautions When Enjoying Fragrance
- Follow directions: Even natural essential oils can be strong. Do not apply them undiluted to the skin or swallow them.
- Be considerate: Tastes and sensitivity to scent vary. At work and in public places, make sure perfume or fabric-softener scents aren't too strong.
- Pets: Cats in particular are said to be poor at breaking down components of essential oils, so be careful where you use diffusers.
Summary: Fill October 30 with Your Favorite Scents
Fragrance Day on October 30 is a day to notice scents we rarely think about.
- Origin: Established by Nanao City after the "World Fragrance Fair in Noto," held in Nanao on October 30, 1992, as part of the National Cultural Festival
- What scents do: They are easily linked to memories and moods, and add a sense of season and variety to daily life
- Suggestion: Choose scents you find pleasant, and enjoy them with consideration for others
A favorite scent can be a small way to refresh your mood. This October 30, try looking for a new fragrance or noticing the scents of seasonal flowers and trees, and spend a day with fragrance.