In fact, scent is said to be more memorable than appearance.
Refresh your own mood and make a more special impression on those around you by wearing a wonderful fragrance.

In this special feature, to help you enjoy your favorite scents even more, three female fragrance staff members from Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store will share their honest opinions and recommend fragrances and ways to use them for both men and women.

Women's honest talk: The allure of fragrances and things to be careful about.

— What situations do you find appealing when it comes to men's fragrances?


When I catch a whiff of Makida's scent when he takes off his jacket or when I get close to him, it gives me a thrill. A pleasant scent leaves a lasting impression of the person, making me feel more favorably towards them.

Kanizawa: Me too! When I catch a faint scent of it as I pass someone, I can't help but turn around.

Murata: Me too... I think it's lovely when you catch a whiff of a fragrance as you pass someone or when they move. A subtle scent is very appealing, isn't it? Scents are very memorable, so I often remember someone by their fragrance.

—So, you find it appealing when you catch a whiff of the scent unexpectedly. And the scent itself directly contributes to the impression you leave. Conversely, have there been any moments when you thought, "Hmm..."?

There have been times when I've noticed a strong scent from Kanizawa in close proximity to others, such as on the train or during meals. I'm sure if she changed what she wears, it would create a more positive impression...

Murata: That's right. Furthermore, applying too much to mask body odor doesn't leave a good impression either.

Makida: No matter how nice a scent is, if it's too strong, it can leave an unpleasant impression, right?

—So, the common thread is that too much strong fragrance is a no-no. Please tell us later about the right amount and application method for a "gentle fragrance."

Points to consider when choosing a fragrance

— With so many different types of wonderful fragrances to choose from, how should I go about selecting the right one?


I think it's best to choose a fragrance that suits the occasion. For business settings, I recommend a clean, fresh scent. Also, since fragrances change with body temperature after application, I recommend not deciding based solely on the first impression, but rather waiting a while to see how the scent has changed before making your decision.

I think it's a good idea to switch fragrances depending on your mood. Citrus scents when you want to feel refreshed, and musk or forest scents when you want to relax. I think the most important thing is that wearing it lifts your own spirits.

Murata: That's right! Fragrances aren't just for when you go out; they're also great as a way to refresh yourself at home, such as when you're teleworking or studying. I recommend gentle, enveloping floral scents like rose or lavender.

—I see. I'd like to enjoy a variety of scents by using them differently depending on the occasion.

The three of us have each selected our absolute favorite fragrances.

— Do you have any recommended fragrances, or any fragrances you'd like your loved ones to wear?



Murata: My recommendation is Clean Reserve Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum from Clean. It has a very clean scent, a gentle fragrance reminiscent of just getting out of the bath. It's unisex, so I think it's easy to use with your partner or family. You can also layer it with other fragrances from the same brand to enjoy your own original scent. The packaging, which blends well with interior decor, is also appealing.


Makita: My personal favorite is L'Artisan Parfumeur's "Un Air de Bretagne Eau de Parfum." This fragrance captures the waves and sea breeze of the Brittany region in northwestern France. I personally love the sea, so I chose this calming scent that has a soft sweetness amidst the refreshing aroma of the sea breeze. It's perfect for when you want to refresh your mood, such as on your days off.


Kanizawa: I recommend a woody, calming scent. PENHALIGON'S "Endymion Cologne" has a soft, smooth fragrance with spices like lavender and coffee, making it perfect for the cold, dry air of winter. It's great for work or dates, and I also recommend using it with "Luna Eau de Toilette," which I'll introduce later, as a couple's or married couple's gift.

—Its natural scent, reminiscent of warmth and acceptance, is very popular.

A fragrance recommended as a gift for women

— Are there any fragrances you would recommend as gifts for women?

At the Seasonal Goods section on the 2nd floor of the main building of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, we offer a wide selection of fragrances not only for men but also for women and those that can be used by both. We are happy to assist you in choosing gifts for women, so please feel free to consult with us in-store.


Murata: My recommendation is Parle Moi de Parfum 's "Flavia Vanilla Eau de Parfum." It's said to be a fragrance inspired by the perfumer's first love, and the sweet scent of vanilla and ylang-ylang is the kind that would captivate any man who passes by. It's one of the sweetest fragrances in their lineup.

Makida: I would recommend "Luna Eau de Toilette" from PENHALIGON'S , which, like "Endymion Cologne" that Kanizawa-san introduced earlier, is inspired by Greek mythology and is easy to use on a daily basis. The delicate scent of bergamot and lavender is perfectly suited to the name of Luna, the goddess of the moon, and it is a transparent fragrance that everyone will love and appreciate.

Kanizawa: My recommendation is also from PENHALIGON'S , "The Favorite Eau de Parfum." It has a gorgeous and exciting appearance, and a powdery (warm) scent. This fragrance was created in 2020, the brand's 150th anniversary year, and is a floral fragrance inspired by Sarah Churchill, the wife of the Duke of Marlborough, who was the inspiration for the brand's representative men's fragrance, "Blenheim Bouquet." It's a pleasant scent that is elegant and confident like Sarah, yet has a soft warmth. A small 30mL size will be newly released, making it easy to try.

Available from this month. Introducing our new fragrance.

-- Ms. Makita mentioned earlier that L'Artisan Parfumeur is releasing a new fragrance. What are your impressions of it?


Makita: That's right. L'Artisan Parfumeur is releasing a new product with gorgeous gold label packaging, available from Wednesday, January 12th. Let's all try out the scent!

■ Legend du Cèdre Eau de Parfum
Murata: It has a very warm, woody scent.
It has a spicy aroma, but it also has a sweetness that makes it feel exotic.
It has a mystical and mysterious scent with notes of Kanizawa cedarwood and spices, doesn't it?

■ Comte du Levant Eau de Parfum
Makida: This is completely different from the one I had earlier; it has a soft rose scent.
The elegant and refined scent of Kanizawa roses, combined with notes of pepper and other ingredients, creates a captivating and gorgeous fragrance.
Unlike typical sweet floral fragrances, Murata 's scent has a mysterious and captivating charm. I highly recommend trying it out in person at a store.

Recommended application and storage methods

-- You've introduced us to some wonderful fragrances and how to choose them. Finally, could you please tell us how to apply these scents in a way that leaves a good impression, and what are your recommended storage methods?

■ How to apply: Spray onto clean skin from a distance of 10-20 cm. Press the bottle firmly with the index finger of your dominant hand until it is completely closed. One spray is the perfect amount for a light fragrance. Please refer to this video for detailed application instructions.


■Storage Instructions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideally, use within one year of opening.

While you can only sample our fragrances in-store, we are also happy to help you choose the perfect scent by listening to your requests through the Mitsukoshi Isetan remote shopping app or LINE. Please feel free to contact us.

■Introducing the official Instagram accounts and recommended product pages of the staff members featured in this article: ・Misaki Makita @mii_i0325

Click here for our recommended products page.

・Mina Murata @mina_pink37
Click here for our recommended products page.

Photograph: Tatsuya Ozawa
Text: NIHOMBASHI MITSUKOSHI MEN'S
Edited by: ISETAN MEN'S net

＊All prices include tax.
＊The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.

Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building, 2nd Floor, Seasonal Goods
03-3274-8800 (Direct Line)
Click here for the Mitsukoshi Isetan remote shopping app.

Click here for the official LINE account for men's accessories on the 2nd floor of the main building of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.