Tracing the changes of (Japanese) idea on fragrance from herb and aromatherapy perspective (aspect)

Abstract

Japanese have been said to be ignorant of fragrance. However, in the Japanese daily life where there is a distinct change of the four seasons, the country is blessed with natural fragrance and there are many traditional customs according to each season. Fragrance had been always close to Japanese in their lives without recognition. Therefore, it is natural for herb and aromatherapy to become popular in Japan. Introduction and development of the herb and aromatherapy market, is due to Japanese mentality to adopt with the era and maturity of mind. There is increasing interest toward fragrance. I would like to look back on the past half century to see the development of herbs and aromatherapy market in Japan.