I’m thrilled to share the journey behind my latest fragrance, No. 81 Tatami, a scent that feels like a milestone in my creative exploration. Conceived in 2024 and finalized between July and August 2025, this perfume emerged from an exciting collaboration with Miffy to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The challenge was to craft two unique scents that embodied Miffy’s essence—clean, minimalist, and timeless. The idea for No. 81 Tatami struck me unexpectedly, inspired by the subtle beauty of Japanese tatami mats from my previous travels in Japan. It’s fascinating how past experiences resurface in unexpected ways, guiding creative decisions.
A humorous anecdote from the process: while testing an early version of the fragrance, I visited a select shop, and the owner wrinkled their nose, asking if I could smell marijuana. I brushed it off with a smile but rushed home to rework the formula immediately.
To capture the authentic essence of tatami, I dove into extensive research and explored tatami mat manufacturers’ websites. I learned that traditional tatami mats are crafted from Igusa grass, a unique rush grass grown in the Yatsushiro region of Kumamoto, Japan. This grass has a porous structure that naturally absorbs odors like cigarette smoke or cooking smells, thanks to its ability to trap volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To deepen my understanding, I purchased a roll of tatami and let its scent guide me throughout the blending process.
Those familiar with a Japanese tatami room will instantly recognize the fragrance’s core: a dry, straw-like aroma with a touch of sundried hay. But Tatami is more than just grass. The opening features a distinctive “potato-cabbage” note, evoking a rustic, earthy charm, achieved through trace amounts of sulfur compounds. The heart of the fragrance hinges on Cyperone, a key component of tatami’s scent. Since Cyperone isn’t readily available, I turned to Cypriol oil, sourced during a trip to India last year from ML Ramnarain. Their Cypriol oil, with its crisp, slightly sweet dried grass note, became the backbone of the perfume. Hay Absolute was another essential building block, lending realism and depth.
While No. 81 Tatami is a grassy scent, it’s deliberately low on “greenness.” I used green compounds sparingly, opting for one or two dry, tea-like notes to maintain balance. The fragrance avoids floral tones, though I incorporated Aglaia oil to soften the composition, originally intending to add a subtle olive nuance. The base notes introduce a smoky, earthy blend of vetiver and balsamic elements, anchored by a touch of Castoreum for a hint of wildness. This grounding foundation mirrors the solid, rooted sensation of sitting on a tatami mat, connecting you to the earth.
No. 81 Tatami is a fragrance that feels both meditative and evocative, capturing the quiet elegance of a traditional Japanese space. I hope it resonates with you as deeply as it does with me.
Jo S
Oct 2025
