Review of Plum Japonais by RINA

The fragrance begins with a spicy layering of elegant saffron, transitioning to impactful cinnamon. This spicy kick then leads to the deep, rich aromas of immortelle and fir balsam. The scent of plums is surprisingly familiar to Japanese people in everyday life, found in things like pickled plums, plum wine, and plum candy. However, this fragrance stands apart from the typical "cherry-like fruity sweetness" of these products, characterized by its dark character. The addition of a captivating, liqueur-like richness brings out a deep, lustrous plum character, much like a cocktail. At the heart of this fragrance is the amber woody sweetness led by immortelle. The structure of agarwood and fir balsam, intertwined with prune (dried plum), adds depth to the fragrance, further emphasizing the unique sweetness of immortelle. While woody, balsamic compositions like this have become a trend in 2026, the way this piece so exotically captured the extraordinary beauty of the plum blossom back then truly reflects Tom Ford's pioneering spirit and philosophy. It's a sensual work that embodies Asian aesthetics and remains timeless.