Takasago: The Red Sun Rises, A Fragrant Story
Heritage, creativity, science and sustainability define Takasago’s global journey
In this exclusive interview with ParfumPlus Magazine, Sylvain Eyraud, VP Global Marketing & Communication at Takasago, and Bassel Kouchacji, Managing Director, Fragrance Middle East at Takasago, share insights into the company’s century-long heritage, its unique Japanese identity and its vision for the future. From pioneering green chemistry to shaping trends in the Middle East, Takasago continues to balance creativity and science while redefining what fragrance means for today and tomorrow.
ParfumPlus : Takasago has a rich heritage dating back to 1920. Could you share with us the key milestones in the company’s journey and how its Japanese origins continue to shape its identity today?
Sylvain Eyraud : Takasago is today one of the world’s leading fragrance houses: ranked Top 6 globally and No. 1 in Asia, with revenues of $1.6 billion in 2025 (+17% vs. 2024). Our footprint extends across 28 countries, with creation centres, R&D hubs, and production sites worldwide.
Our story began in Kyoto in 1920. Tadaka Kainosho, a descendant of a Samurai family and professor of organic chemistry, travelled to Grasse in 1910 to master perfumery and natural extraction. Upon returning to Japan, he founded Takasago, named after the legend of twin pine trees symbolising eternal love. From the start, our DNA blended Japanese aesthetics, scientific rigour, and innovation.
Japan itself is a land of contrasts: heritage vs. modernity, nature vs. science, minimalism vs. creativity. This constant tension continues to inspire us. For over a century, we have transformed this duality into a unique creative force, balancing artistic mastery, responsible sourcing, and scientific excellence in green chemistry and neuroscience.
PP : As one of the world’s leading fragrance houses, where does Takasago stand in the global market, and what distinguishes it from other players?
SE : We are a House of Perfumers. Creativity is our heartbeat. With over 50 perfumers worldwide, we foster creative talents across Paris, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, São Paolo, and Mumbai. Our Fine Fragrance centre, founded in 1978, has been home to great master perfumers such as Pierre Bourdon, Michel Almayrac, Francis Kurkdjian, and, more recently, Aurélien Guichard, alongside a new generation of rising talents.
What makes Takasago unique is our fourfold identity:
- House of Creativity. We design fragrances across categories, from luxury fine fragrance to premium home, with bold aesthetics and performance.
- House of Green. Sustainability is part of our DNA. We have been a pioneer of green chemistry since the 1980s.
- House of Performance. We deliver excellence in longevity, diffusion, and perception, thanks to our exclusive captives and patented technologies.
- House of Emotions - With 40+ years of neuroscience expertise, we transform fragrance into positive emotional experiences.
This combination - artistic vision, scientific depth, sustainability, and entrepreneurship - sets Takasago apart.
PP : What would you highlight as Takasago’s core strengths—those elements that define its DNA and continue to drive success worldwide?
Bassel Kouchacji : Our core strengths lie in the fusion of creativity and science, enriched by our Japanese heritage. Minimalism, balance, and sensorial refinement define our aesthetics. Proprietary captives and innovative accords drive originality. And our commitment to sustainability and neuroscience anchors us in the future.
PP : How do you view the fragrance market in the Middle East today?
BK : The Middle East is the birthplace of perfumery, with a heritage of more than 5,000 years. Fragrance here is not just luxury—it is identity, ritual, and cultural pride. Oud, incense, layering traditions, and sacred rituals remain central.
Today, the region stands as the third-largest prestige fragrance market, with one of the fastest growth rates worldwide (+12%). It is also the fastest in creative development, with new launches conceived and brought to market in record time.
SE : What makes the Gulf unique is its youthful, digital-savvy population, high purchasing power, and deep cultural connection to scent. Social media has transformed Arabian perfumery into a global trend phenomenon (#TikTok), amplifying its influence far beyond the region.
This is more than a market. It is a creative powerhouse shaping global fragrance trends.
PP : Takasago has expressed ambitions to accelerate growth in the Middle East. What drives this strategy, and what value do you aim to bring?
SE: The Middle East region is now a $7.4 billion fragrance market (Euromonitor), with prestige fragrances growing at +12% CAGR. Saudi Arabia alone already represents more than 40% of regional prestige sales and is on track to rival the UK by 2028.
Takasago is perfectly positioned to thrive here: High creativity, blending Japanese refinement with French artistry and regional olfactory traditions. Uniqueness and Innovation thanks to in-house captives with outstanding olfactive impact and active molecules or accords, with scientifically proven benefits. Cultural Relevance with a deep knowledge of the consumers and the market trends, both globally and locally. Agility, thanks to our entrepreneurial mindset, to match the region’s dynamism.
BK : We aim to be not only a fragrance supplier, but a creative partner, helping shape the future of “A-Beauty” - a movement where Arabian perfumery traditions gain global recognition.
PP : Sustainability is becoming increasingly central. How is Takasago’s commitment shaping innovation?
SE : Sustainability is not a trend for Takasago; it is a legacy. Since 1920, we have viewed nature as inspiration and responsibility. We are a Green Chemistry Pioneer. Since the 1980s, we have led research in biobased ingredients and biotech molecules with reduced carbon impact.
We valorise Transparency & Traceability. We were the First fragrance house to disclose the renewable carbon content of our Biobased ingredients (Biobased Index, 2014) and to have externally certified our natural sourcing policy (Ecocert, 2016). We protect Biodiversity & Communities, supporting farmers and local suppliers.
By merging science and ethics, we create fragrances that are beautiful, responsible, and future-proof.
PP : Looking ahead, what are your strategic priorities globally and in the Middle East?
BK : Globally, our focus is on sustainable growth, talent development and breakthrough science in captives and neuroscience.
In the Middle East, we are investing deeply: New Dubai office ending 2025 and new compounding lab in 2026. Closer ties between our Paris and Dubai teams, ensuring a strong bridge between French and Middle Eastern perfumery. Stronger collaboration with India, another powerhouse in raw materials and olfactory traditions, where we opened a brand new creative centre last year.
Our goal: to lead in creativity, science and sustainability, while becoming the partner of choice for brands across the region.
PP : What can visitors expect from Takasago at Beautyworld Middle East 2025?
SE : Beautyworld Middle East is one of the world’s leading fragrance trade shows, with 75,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibitors. It embodies the entrepreneurial energy of the region.
This year, Takasago will unveil the “Red Sun Collection”, 12 powerful creations inspired by the Japanese rising sun and the science of addiction.
- A Fragrance Enhancer - called Red Sun - boosts addiction and longevity.
- 10 explosive Eaux de parfum twisting iconic Middle Eastern ingredients thanks to our cutting-edge in-house captives and Asian ingredients.
- An extraordinary Elixir: Kyphi of Kings and Suns, inspired by ancient Egyptian incense formulas.
Visitors will experience a fusion of heritage and innovation, where East meets West under the symbol of the Red Sun.
PP : As Takasago continues its journey, what would you like the world to wish for your House?
SE : We wish for meaning, creativity, and elevation. May Takasago continue to inspire, innovate and help shape the Middle East into a global showcase of fragrance creativity.
PP : What message would you like to share with ParfumPlus readers?
BK : Perfume is, above all, about sharing and emotion. We warmly invite readers to discover our new creations at Beautyworld Middle East, Stand Z2-H23, and meet our expanded team.
We are grateful for the exceptional welcome we have received in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a partnership we look forward to deepening in the months and years ahead.
