The creations of artist Izumi Kan, who calls on the world to "revive the senses," are more like artwork than fragrance.
The startling aroma of the ingredients hits the back of your nose, giving a strong sense of the artist's intentions. This unique craftsmanship is born on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. This is a place known as the birthplace of Japan's incense culture, where fragrant wood once washed ashore. Izumi is involved in everything from growing the ingredients to distilling and blending the fragrances.
Izumi's studio on Awaji Island. He develops his ideas and creates on a workbench made of roofing tiles. 
In the fields, they grow and research various spices, including holy basil.
"This may seem a bit abstract, but it is said that the sense that has been lost the most as civilization has evolved to this day is the sense of smell. I am always thinking about how we can revive this innate human physical sense, and I create fragrances with the goal of 'reviving the senses.' Perhaps the key to my creation is to create recipes that are based on what I want to express, without being bound by the boundaries of previous products."
By coming into contact with the many plants on the island, rich in nature, Izumi deepens his understanding of the ingredients with his own hands. "It directly relates to quality and originality," he says, but above all, "it's romantic." In addition to his own creations, he also creates fragrances for fashion brands such as Mamekurogouchi and CFCL, as well as musicians, hotels, restaurants, and exhibitions.
"When I take on a job, I do extensive research, then I try to synchronize with the client and then work with the image of 'pulling myself out'. After that, I try to create a fragrance that people want to wear, like putting on a piece of clothing. On the other hand, when it comes to my own creations, I simply create what I want to express.
My latest work, NOISE CANCELLATION, was unveiled as an installation at DDD HOTEL in August 2024. It expresses a physical approach to the sense of smell that counteracts the hustle and bustle of the city. This is a genre I have been exploring recently. I am still researching new materials and there is no end to the things I want to express.
Original perfume bottles produced by Imari ware Hataman Touen. They are sold in conjunction with special projects. The bottle in the center, "NOISE CANCELLATION," was exhibited and sold at DDD HOTEL in Bakurocho. 50ml - 33,000 yen. 
EQUIP by CFCL, created by Izumi. 30ml, 19,800 yen. A fresh botanical scent with the addition of Cuban mint.
