AOIRO
Brands · Scents
Crafting Scented Journeys through Art and Emotion
In the world of olfactory art, AOIRO stands out as a studio that intricately weaves together sensory experiences with profound emotional resonance. Founded by Shizuko and Manuel, whose paths crossed in Tokyo nearly two decades ago, AOIRO is more than just a brand—it is a journey into the invisible worlds of scent. Drawing inspiration from their diverse backgrounds—Shizuko's therapeutic knowledge of botanical essences and Manuel's design-theory expertise—the duo has crafted a unique approach to fragrance that transcends the ordinary. Their work is a meditation on the connections between scent, memory, and atmosphere, inviting us to slow down and savor the intangible. In this interview, we delve into their creative process, the challenges they face in maintaining artisanal quality, and how their Japanese-Austrian roots influence their olfactory creations.
Please tell us a little bit about yourselves and what inspired you to start AOIRO?
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We met in Tokyo, Japan around 18 years ago and soon after started working together on several olfactory projects. From the beginning, we wanted to create invisible olfactory experiences that draw you into emotional worlds constructed of sensory associations. Our studio is named after the color blue (in Japanese, “ao”), which reflects the canvas for our work. As we create bespoke scents for spaces, it felt natural to relate to the invisible medium of our work, connecting it with air and atmosphere.
Can you describe the process of crafting a fragrance at AOIRO, from concept to final product?
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At the beginning, we try to translate the narrative of the concept to capture the right tonality of mood and feelings, then compose a scent that connects with the atmosphere of a space. A fundamental part of our creation process is based on the knowledge that the olfactory memory works synaesthetically. A fragrance, when first encountered, saves itself within the ‘emotional atmosphere’ of that specific moment. Since this happens on a subconscious level, scent can connect and amplify other senses within a holistic spatial concept.
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Did you always know that you wanted to work with your senses, or was there a process that led you to creating this brand?
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We come from very different backgrounds—Shizuko with a therapeutic education and knowledge of botanical essences, and Manuel with a background in philosophy and design theory. Despite these differences, there was always an interest in each other's fields, which has nurtured our understanding of the olfactory sense. As we continued, we realized that by becoming more united with our own senses, we could stay truer to who we are. This realization has been enriching both personally and professionally.
How do you select and source the raw materials for your fragrances, and what qualities do you look for in these ingredients?
We work with a general range of around 150 to 200 natural essences and have some special materials that we research and collect for specific projects. It's important to us that each component is alive, with its own spirit and clarity. We work closely with distillers and producers to understand the process and outcome of the materials we use, considering how the scent will be experienced as part of an atmosphere alongside other sensory elements.
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What challenges do you face in maintaining the artisanal quality of your products while growing as a brand?
From the beginning, we decided not to grow simply for the sake of growth. Whenever the opportunity to scale up presented itself, we took a step back to maintain the integrity and authenticity of our brand. The most important thing for us has been maintaining personal relationships with the stores and people we work with. At the end of the day, AOIRO is just the two of us—we touch every essence bottle, every diffuser, every stick of incense. The process is deeply personal, and we want to sustain that quality because it’s what energizes us the most.
How does your Japanese-Austrian background influence your aesthetic and the olfactory experience you create?
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For our Hakudo series, we had the opportunity to develop personal scent concepts while traveling in Japan, a country whose aesthetic has greatly influenced our daily life. The essential impressions and sensory elements we encountered in Japan refined our attitude towards creating scent and objects. Working with traditional Japanese craftsmen taught us to pay attention to every small detail, a mindset we've adopted in every action we take. This approach ensures that our creations are imbued with a certain intangible quality.
Do you engage in any spiritual practices, and if so, how do they influence your work and creative process?
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We don’t engage in spiritual practices per se, but we both have the ability to dive into actions with untouchable focus, becoming completely one with the moment. This approach grounds us and brings us joy, even in small tasks. When we began imagining the concept of Hakudo, we experimented with a more ritualistic way of using scent. This became a holistic practice for us, almost meditative, and has shaped how we create scent compositions.
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How do you slow down in your daily life, and do you practice any specific rituals?
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Within a day, we light incense to reset our minds and the flow of time. We use it as a daily ritual in the early morning or evening, sitting calmly with palms together, or sometimes more proactively to draw an invisible line during the day. These quiet moments help us remain grounded and focused.
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What does success mean to you?
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For us, success is when people’s perception of scent, and other senses, changes after experiencing what we’ve created. It’s rewarding to know that our compositions can trigger perceptual shifts and continue to be part of someone’s life as an air and surrounding atmosphere.
Photo Credits: Aoiro