Nanako Ogi: Japanese Perfumer Bridging Cultures Through Scent

Nanako Ogi's path to perfumery began in the rice fields and forests of Japan, where her early fascination with natural scents would eventually shape her artistic vision. While studying anthropology at university, a friend's suggestion to pursue perfumery changed her life trajectory completely. Six months later, she moved to the United States to chase this newfound dream.

Her journey required dedication and extensive training. After earning a chemistry degree in the U.S., Ogi spent ten years gaining industry experience before being accepted into the prestigious Givaudan Perfumery School. This rigorous preparation laid the foundation for her unique approach to fragrance creation, which centers on translating emotions and everyday inspirations into beautiful scents.

Today, as a perfumer at Givaudan based in Singapore, Ogi has established herself as a master of cultural fusion. Her philosophy revolves around realizing imagination through perfumery, drawing inspiration from emotional triggers in daily life. This approach has led to collaborations with prestigious houses including Fragrance Du Bois, Ojar, and Parfums de Marly, where she consistently demonstrates her ability to blend her Japanese heritage with diverse cultural influences.

Ogi's portfolio showcases her talent for creating emotionally resonant fragrances that tell compelling stories. Her work on Secret Tryst for Fragrance Du Bois demonstrates her skill with complex compositions, featuring bergamot, saffron, jasmine, and frankincense in a rich woody framework. The fragrance exemplifies her ability to highlight different facets of key ingredients while maintaining perfect balance.

Sirène, another Fragrance Du Bois creation, marked the house's first female-inspired fragrance. Ogi crafted this bold composition with cherry, pepper, oud, and incense, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore while creating something entirely contemporary. The fragrance challenges traditional feminine perfumery by incorporating rich oriental elements.

Her work for Ojar reveals another dimension of her artistry. Routes Nomades brilliantly combines Japanese Kodo ceremony influences with Omani frankincense burning rituals, featuring cypress, ginger, cardamom, and leather. This cross-cultural approach has become Ogi's signature, allowing her to create fragrances that resonate across different traditions while maintaining their own distinct identity. Her ability to translate childhood memories, like the scent of tatami mats, into modern fragrance compositions demonstrates the depth of her creative vision and technical expertise.