Sumo wrestlers (and samurai and geishas) all used scented hair oils to gloss and help hold their complex hairstyles in place. J-Scent (a Tokyo-based fragrance manufacturer) describes its Sumo Wrestler perfume* like this:
The scent of bintsuke (hair oil) subtly floating from dignified sumo wrestlers. Eucalyptus and anise give this perfume an aromatic scent, and the notes of violet and heliotrope flowers creates a powdery scent, which is the characteristic of bintsuke. Last notes, musk and the combination of patchouli and sandalwood arrive. This scent represents the power and grace of a sumo wrestler, combined with the gentle warmth within, like that of an incense.
Sumo Wrestler is a lovely scent that conjures (the dearly departed) Crown Perfumery Eau de Russe. There's a "chilly" citrus peel-eucalyptus accord up top, then comes orange blossom mixed with anise and cinnamon, and a true heliotrope aroma. Sumo Wrestler plays up the pampering aspects of the sumo wrestler: his relaxing bathing ritual, his shiny (dressed and elaborately styled) hair, his powdered body. Sumo Wrestler has a vintage vibe, with amber-scented "talc" in the dry down. It's on my to-buy list for autumn.
J-Scent Sumo Wrestler is available in 50 ml Eau de Parfum for $80 (a bargain) at Luckyscent.
*Listed fragrance notes of orange, eucalyptus, anise, orange blossom, cinnamon, heliotrope, violet, jasmine, labdanum, patchouli, sandalwood.
Note: top image is Kunisada Sumo Triptychon by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) [cropped] via Wikimedia Commons.
I’m really excited to try this line! Apparently they stock the whole line in a shop in Waco, Texas, of all places. Only a skip outside of Dallas.
This sounds lovely. How well does it last on you?
Coumarin: it lasted 5-6 hours; I wore it on hot days so that may have affected the lasting power? Waco!
Sounds nice, you like so few scents, that you plan to buy it is high praise.
cazaubon: well, Eau de Russe was a favorite of mine.
This actually sounds interesting..and for $80, bargain indeed!
Might see if I can get a sample..I need a new Autumn scent 🙂
littlecooling: rare to see a $80 fragrance…that smells good to boot.
I have a sample and liked it for the first couple of hours but then had to get it off me.
SS: it turned into a delicate amber on me…then just faded away over time. Thrilled no white musk was involved.
I’ve been thinking about trying this line. Sumo Wrestler sounds wonderful. Thanks for the review!
Dorsey: you’re welcome…I ordered some more samples, too.