The study of scent can improve brain function, support overall well-being, and enhance nesting instincts.
Japan has a term for nuisance or overwhelming smells—sumehara, or “smell harassment”.
The Japanese have conducted extensive research on the psychological and cultural impacts of scent, and were early pioneers—beginning in the 1990s—of workplace and public‑environment scenting systems.
In many Japanese offices, an aroma schedule is timed to support productivity and worker's needs throughout the day: citrus and mint to start the morning, rose at mid‑morning to improve focus and clarity, the woody Hinoki cypress after lunch to counter the afternoon slump, and peppermint later in the day to sustain attention during meetings and longer tasks.
Japan has even coined a term for nuisance or overwhelming smells—sumehara, or “smell harassment”.
This long-standing interest in the power of scent has led Japanese researchers to explore scent’s potential effects on physical health.
A recent small study (2024) found that “continual inhalation” of rose oil—such as wearing a rose‑scented oil on clothing—was associated with increases in grey matter volume. Grey matter is the part of the brain responsible for processing information, making decisions, controlling movement, and storing memories. Reduced grey matter is closely linked to dementia.
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Universally Appealing Scents Used Japanese Well-being Traditions
- Hinoki (檜 / ひのき) is a sacred Cypress wood, and is believed to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
- Rose (ローズ / Bara) is believed to support emotional balance, to reduce stress, and to enhance brain performance.
- Orange (オレンジ / Orenji) is believed to uplift mood and increase energy.
- Eucalyptus (ユーカリ / Yūkari) is believed to clear the mind and reset mental focus.
At‑Home Scenting Systems
Atomizers with small, water tanks are home‑friendly counterparts to the scent systems used in Japan.
