I think Tokyo Bloom is a terrific name for a fragrance, but it’s misleading (as is my photo above, sorry about that). The word ‘bloom’ makes me expect a floral scent, but this one – at least on my skin – is not about flowers at all. It’s a unique green modern cologne.

Colognes have been around for centuries and these light, citrusy blends are perennially popular. Considering today’s consumers’ preference for fresh scents, it’s not surprising that reimagining this classic genre has been one of the biggest perfume trends in recent years.

The most celebrated versions are probably by Jean-Claude Ellena, house perfumer at Hermés (I have recommended one of them here). Jo Malone range is another option for reinterpreted colognes – Malone’s tend to be very pretty. If these brands, however, strike you as a bit unadventurous, I highly recommend The Different Company.

The Different Company has 7 colognes and they are all interesting – not shocking by any means or revolutionary, but definitely worth a try. Tokyo Bloom is my personal favourite and while there is no shortage of green colognes out there, I do find this one unique. I mostly smell fresh green grass with some herbs (it’s supposed to be basil, but I wouldn’t have known without the notes) and a little citrus and a very occasional blossom. The more it dries down, the woodier it becomes.

What is remarkable about the scent is an uncommon dandelion note, which lends it a certain creaminess and very slight bitterness at the same time. It makes me think of the white dandelion milk that used to stain my hands when I was a child, rather than spring in Tokyo. Admittedly, my knowledge of spring smells of Tokyo is rather limited.

Regardless of the specific connotations, Tokyo Bloom is easy to like, but not simplistic. More than the name of the fragrance, I would look to it’s colour for cues: green, fresh and pretty, but also memorable and … different.

I bought my bottle from Crème de la Crème in Tallinn.