Heidi Norton
In Japan, wearing perfume is considered a major social faux pas due to the cultural belief that strong scents are offensive. This belief is rooted in the indigenous faith of Shinto, which values purity and sees applying perfumes directly to the skin as impure. Japanese consumers view perfume as a symbol of Western luxury and class identity, and some choose to wear subtle fragrances for special occasions or when dining out. However, the country has one of the smallest fragrance markets globally, and odorless is often preferred to avoid causing discomfort to others, a concept known as sumehara or smell harassment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wearing perfume | Not a part of Japanese culture |
| Reasons | People with strong scents are considered to be trying to cover up bad smells |
| Applying perfume directly to the skin is against the purity stipulations of Shinto, the indigenous faith of the Japanese people | |
| Fragrances are considered for special occasions | |
| Light, clean, dry, and understated scents are preferred | |
| The Japanese are considerate of others and make an effort not to disturb others with strong scents | |
| Japan has one of the smallest fragrance markets in the world | |
| "Sumehara" or "smell harassment" is a growing concern in Japan |
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What You'll Learn
Japanese people generally don't like strong fragrances
Japanese people are also more considerate of others and make more of an effort not to disturb fellow passengers on public transport. For example, it is rare to see someone eating smelly food on a train in Japan. This consideration extends to the avoidance of strong fragrances, with "odorless" being the preferred "scent".
In recent years, Japan has experienced an increased awareness of "smell harassment", or sumehara. This concept refers to the idea that a person's body odour may cause distress or discomfort to others. While this has accelerated the sales of fragranced products, particularly to middle-aged men, it has also reinforced the preference for "odorless" products.
Japanese consumers view perfume as a symbol of Western luxury that amplifies the consumer's aspirations or class identity. However, fragrance is not part of Japanese culture, and it is not something that many people use on a daily basis. Fragrances are seen as being for special occasions, with people wearing them in the evenings and on weekends. When Japanese women do choose to apply fragrance, they are conscious of how much perfume they apply and on which occasion.
If you are planning to visit Japan, it is respectful to avoid wearing strong perfumes in public. Instead, opt for light and understated scents or "odorless" products to avoid causing discomfort to those around you.
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Fragrances are worn for special occasions
In Japan, wearing perfumes or fragrances is generally considered a social faux pas, especially in public spaces. The Japanese tend to frown upon strong fragrances, and it is considered culturally offensive to wear them. This is because, in the crowded and humid cities, scenting a room is preferred over scenting individuals. Applying perfumes directly to the skin is also seen as going against the purity stipulations of Shinto, the indigenous faith of the Japanese. As a result, light, clean, dry, and understated scents are preferred, and fragrance products with subtle scents are more commonly worn in the evenings, on weekends, and for special occasions.
Japanese consumers are becoming more comfortable using fragrances for enjoyment and personal expression, indicating a shift in the country's relationship with fragrance. However, the concept of "sumehara" or "smell harassment" is gaining traction, and the preference for "odorless" or no scent at all remains strong to avoid causing discomfort to others.
When Japanese people do choose to wear fragrances, they are mindful of the amount applied and the occasion. Light fragrances are sometimes worn, and some people opt for custom perfumes with subtle scents. Fragrances are also commonly worn in the evenings and on weekends, indicating that they may be reserved for special occasions or when there is a lower chance of offending others in crowded spaces.
While the fragrance market in Japan is small compared to other countries, department stores and cosmetic departments sell a wide range of perfumes and colognes. However, the sales experience is often marked by a detached and technical focus on how the scent is made and supposed to be enjoyed, rather than a cultural or philosophical appreciation. For Japanese consumers, perfume can be a symbol of Western luxury and a way to express class identity or aspirations.
When visiting Japan, it is respectful to avoid wearing strong perfumes or fragrances in public, especially in places like sushi restaurants, where the scents of the dishes are essential to the dining experience. Instead, visitors should opt for light fragrances or go without to avoid causing discomfort or offending local customs.
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Japanese women are conscious of how much perfume they apply
In Japan, wearing strong scents in public is generally frowned upon and considered a major social faux pas. The Japanese tend to avoid wearing perfume in most situations where they will encounter other people, except for when dining at a sushi restaurant. This is because the scent plays a major role in the dining experience, influencing up to 80% of taste.
Japanese women who choose to wear perfume are conscious of how much they apply and on which occasions. They opt for light, clean, dry, and understated fragrances, ensuring that the scent is not overpowering. This consideration for others is also reflected in their awareness of sumehara or "smell harassment," where one's body odour may cause distress or discomfort to those around them.
The cultural aversion to strong fragrances in Japan may be rooted in the indigenous faith of Shintoism, which values purity. Applying perfumes directly to the skin could be seen as counter to these purity stipulations. Additionally, in crowded and humid cities, scenting a room may be preferred over scenting individuals.
While fragrance is not a significant part of Japanese culture, the market for scented products is growing. Japanese consumers are becoming more open to using fragrances for enjoyment and personal expression. However, the preference for subtlety remains, and heavily applied perfumes are not the norm.
When visiting Japan, it is advisable to refrain from wearing strong perfumes in public places, especially on public transportation and in restaurants, to respect local customs and avoid causing discomfort to others.
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Perfume is considered culturally offensive
In Japan, wearing perfume is considered a major social faux pas, with some people even deeming it culturally offensive. This is largely due to the crowded and humid nature of Japanese cities, where wearing a strong fragrance can be overwhelming and cause discomfort to others. The concept of "sumehara" or "smell harassment" is widely recognised in Japan, with the understanding that a person's body odour may cause distress or discomfort to those around them. As such, "odorless" is often the preferred "scent".
The Japanese tend to avoid wearing strong perfumes in public, and instead opt for light, clean, dry, and understated fragrances. This is also influenced by the indigenous faith of Shinto, which has purity stipulations that run counter to applying perfumes directly to the skin. The Japanese also believe that wearing perfume is an attempt to cover up one's body odour, which can be considered rude and disrespectful.
Japanese consumers view perfume as a symbol of Western luxury and class identity. As such, some people do wear perfume on special occasions or during evenings and weekends. However, it is not a common daily practice, and Japan has one of the smallest fragrance markets in the world.
When visiting Japan, it is respectful to refrain from wearing strong perfumes or fragrances. This is particularly important when dining, as the scent of the dishes served plays a significant role in the dining experience. Strong perfumes can interfere with the taste of the food, which can be considered offensive to the chef and other diners.
It is worth noting that while wearing perfume is generally frowned upon in Japan, there are some individuals who do wear noticeable fragrances. Additionally, the Japanese relationship with fragrance may be shifting, with an increasing focus on scent among consumers.
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Japanese people are considerate of others' sense of smell
Japanese people are generally considerate of others' sense of smell. While some Japanese people do wear perfume, they tend to avoid strong fragrances and opt for light, clean, and understated scents. This consideration for others' olfactory comfort is also reflected in their awareness of sumehara or "smell harassment," which refers to the understanding that one's body odour or strong perfume can cause distress or discomfort to others. This concept is gaining traction in Japan, and as a result, "odorless" or neutral scents are often preferred.
The Japanese culture's sensitivity to strong scents can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, Japan's crowded and humid cities make it more sensible to scent a room rather than individuals, as strong perfumes in confined spaces could be overwhelming. Secondly, there is a cultural belief that applying perfumes directly to the skin goes against the purity stipulations of Shinto, the indigenous faith of the Japanese people. Thus, fragrance is not a common cultural practice in daily life.
Additionally, Japanese people are known for their consideration of others and their efforts to avoid disturbing others in public spaces. This includes being mindful of strong scents that may trigger allergies or cause discomfort. While some individuals may wear noticeable fragrances, the general preference is for subtlety. This preference for subtlety also extends to other scented products, such as deodorant and antiperspirant, which are not commonly used in Japan.
When it comes to dining, Japanese people also consider the impact of fragrances on the culinary experience. The scent of the dishes served is integral to the dining experience, and a strong perfume can interfere with the enjoyment of food. Some high-end restaurants may even refuse entry to patrons wearing overpowering fragrances, as it can alter the taste of the dishes and detract from the intended culinary journey.
While the Japanese relationship with fragrance is evolving, with an increasing focus on scent among consumers, it is still advisable for visitors to Japan to refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes. Showing respect for local customs is essential, and understanding the cultural nuances around fragrance can help foster a positive experience when visiting the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Japanese people do wear perfume, but it is not a common daily practice. Strong fragrances are generally disliked and considered culturally offensive, so when perfume is worn, it tends to be a subtle scent for special occasions.
Japanese people tend to be considerate of others and avoid causing discomfort. As scent makes up around 80% of taste, strong fragrances can interfere with the dining experience. Applying perfume directly to the skin may also run counter to the purity stipulations of Shinto, the indigenous faith of Japan.
In Japan, the cultural state of mind around fragrance doesn't exist in the same way as in other countries. Perfume is seen as a symbol of Western luxury and class identity. However, there are indications that this relationship with fragrance may be shifting, with an increasing focus on scent among Japanese consumers.
Yes, wearing strong scents in public is considered a major social faux pas in Japan. This is because it may cause "sumehara" or "smell harassment", which is the understanding that body odour can cause distress or discomfort to others.
If you are visiting Japan and wish to wear perfume, opt for a light, clean, and dry scent. Avoid parfum, eau de parfum, and perfume oils as these have the most potent scent concentrations. Instead, choose eau de toilette, eau de cologne, or eau fraîche. Ask a travel companion if they can smell your perfume before leaving your accommodation.
