Custom-Scented Like Haute Couture: Unique Fragrance Design Techniques by Gotas

Gotas's Perfume Techniques

It was through parenting that Tomita began studying fragrances. She herself did not expect that this would develop into a business providing scents to over 250 establishments. As she explored the possibilities of scent across various industries, she ultimately arrived at the hotel sector.

“After trying different things, I found that one of the most appreciated avenues was spatial arrangements in hotels,” recalls Tomita.

When designing scents for a space, Tomita’s initial focus is on the interior design.

“For instance, if a hotel has marble columns in its interior, it gives a cold and hard impression. In that case, we choose a cold scent.

"Simply put, mint is a scent that many people associate with 'cold.' Conversely, if the interior uses a lot of wood, it has a warm impression. In such cases, we would use a warm scent like cinnamon.”

Not just the texture of materials, but also whether the design is linear or curved, its heaviness, and whether water features are incorporated, all elements of the space are transformed into scents.

To achieve this, Tomita ensures she visits the actual space.

“To accurately receive design information, I always visit hotels outside of the prefecture. We derive information from the already completed space and construct the scent from there; without that foundation, we cannot begin.”

Adding scent as the final touch to a space crafted by architects and designers is a humble position that Tomita believes enhances the overall value of the space.

Among the cases that left a strong impression on her, Tomita highlights a request for a scent themed around “strata.”

“What really stood out was a request to create a scent of the strata. Usually, hotels request words like 'forest' or 'flowers,' or adjectives describing a bright atmosphere or an adult-friendly space, but this request for a 'strata scent' was a first for me.

"We selected fragrance materials derived from tree roots as the scent of the ground and layered in resins and fruit scents to create it.”

While flexibly responding to such innovative requests, Tomita never forgets the basic stance of scent creation.

“I make sure not to let the scent take center stage. What’s important is harmony with the completed space design. Our aim is to enrich the experience of those who stay naturally through scent.”

In the creation of scents, Tomita places a particular emphasis on the use of natural fragrances. This choice is influenced by a deep understanding of the unique sensibilities of the Japanese people.

"I feel that many Japanese people have sharp senses. Japan has a delicate dashi culture, doesn’t it? Just like dashi, perhaps Japanese people do not prefer fragrances that are simply strong."

In fact, in recent years, there have been voices expressing difficulties with the overpowering scents of fabric softeners, while natural fragrances present distinct characteristics.

"For example, the scent of peeling a mandarin orange. This is a natural scent that we have been familiar with since we were children.

"Natural scents are information that our bodies inherently know, allowing us to perceive them gently without overwhelming impact like chemically created fragrances."

Based on this idea, the expansion of scent development in hotels is also gaining traction.

"With products from overseas manufacturers, the manufacturers control the fragrances themselves, so there are limitations in product development. However, we create everything from fragrances to products in a custom-made manner, allowing us to flexibly develop products such as aroma oils, room fragrances, and bath amenities based on customer requests."

The reason for continuing to prioritize natural fragrances is the belief that a natural scent that blends into a space creates long-term value.

"It's not so much about wanting you to see what we've created, but more about whether the fragrance can properly serve its purpose in the space. I believe that the more opportunities the hotel fragrances have to delight our customers, the greater the long-term value."

Tomita's words convey an unwavering belief that the main focus is the space and, ultimately, the people visiting it. A fragrance that emanates a modest yet certain presence—it may reflect Tomita's personal approach to work.

Amid the advancements in digital technology, Gotas is intentionally preserving analog methods in scent creation. Tomita shares her thoughts on the unique value of analog in fragrances.

"While vision and hearing have almost completed their digital conversion, I feel that the senses of touch, taste, and smell still possess a stronger analog quality. These three involve the characteristic of interacting with an object to gain information.

"For instance, food that looks delicious on social media cannot be tasted by merely looking at it, nor can it provide satisfaction. I believe that people find value in interacting with an analog dish that someone has cooked."

She also presents intriguing prospects for the future of scent culture in Japan.

"As Japanese people become more accustomed to handling scents, I think they will continue to refine their skills. Although there is still a strong tendency to rely on the names of overseas brands, just as ramen and curry have evolved, I feel that scents will also undergo unique evolution and be sublimated as a culture."

Tomita expresses her excitement at the chance to encounter things beyond her expectations, from which a new possibility in scent culture can be felt, such as creating fragrances themed around "strata."

The richness afforded by the analog. It could be a new form of value in the digital age.