Jyuhachinichi Ltd., based in Minamiaizu, Fukushima, specializes in the distillation and production of Japanese essential oils derived from native forest and satoyama plants.
We work with locally rooted botanical resources such as Kuromoji, Japanese cedar, and Magnolia, managing the entire process in-house—from harvesting to distillation and product development. This integrated approach allows us to preserve and express the authentic character and quality of each plant.
For us, fragrance is more than just a product; it reflects the natural environment, human activity, and the cultural heritage of the region.
While Minamiaizu is rich in forest resources, the area faces challenges such as a declining forestry workforce and an increase in abandoned farmland. To address these issues, we transform underutilized resources into fragrances, creating new value for the region. In addition to utilizing forest by-products such as branches and thinnings, we cultivate aromatic plants including Shiso (Perilla) and Hakka (Japanese mint) on abandoned farmland.
Through these efforts, we aim to build a circular system that connects forest and agricultural resources, contributing to a sustainable regional industry.
Because essential oils are natural products, their composition and aroma vary depending on origin, climate, and harvest timing. To ensure consistency and reliability, we conduct GC analysis to visualize and stabilize quality, while also providing safety documentation such as SDS. By combining sensory value with data-based validation, we offer products suited for both domestic and international markets.
Beyond production, we organize tours and workshops that invite people to experience the forest and its fragrances firsthand. We believe that scent is deeply connected to place, memory, and experience.
Through our Japanese essential oils, we aim to expand the potential of local botanical resources and share their value with the world. We hope that the fragrances of Minamiaizu will enrich daily life and bring a sense of calm and connection.
We present three distinctive Japanese essential oils: Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata), Shiso (Perilla frutescens), and Hakka (Mentha arvensis).
Each of these plants has long been familiar in Japan, deeply connected to the country’s climate, culture, and daily life, while expressing its own unique aromatic character.
Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata)
Kuromoji is a deciduous shrub native to Japanese forests. The essential oil distilled from its branches and leaves offers a soft, refined sweetness combined with gentle woody warmth.
Traditionally used for tea utensils and toothpicks, Kuromoji is known for its delicate and layered aroma. Its elegant scent has earned it the name “forest perfume.”
It brings a sense of calm, as if stepping into a quiet forest.
Shiso (Perilla frutescens)
Shiso is an essential part of Japanese food culture. It has a fresh green aroma with a subtle spicy nuance, creating a distinctive and expressive scent.
As an essential oil, Shiso reveals a vivid, multidimensional green character that adds a bright accent to any space.
While often associated with food in Japan, it is appreciated internationally as an exotic and unique fragrance.
It is particularly suited for moments when a shift in mood is desired.
Hakka (Mentha arvensis)
Hakka is one of Japan’s representative cooling plants, known for its clear and refreshing aroma. A single breath brings a crisp sensation that refreshes both body and mind.
Japanese Hakka is characterized by a high menthol content, offering a clean, refined freshness without harshness. It is widely used for everyday refreshment and revitalization.
These three oils represent different facets of Japan’s natural landscape: the softness of wood, the vibrancy of green, and the clarity of cool air.
We carefully manage every step from harvesting to distillation, preserving the natural character of each plant and delivering the essence of its place of origin.
Through these fragrances, we hope you can experience not only the scents themselves, but also the landscapes and atmosphere from which they arise.
