Updated on 13 October 2026. The original 2008 post is kept below.
Did it actually work?
Otoko Kaoru (“man scent”) was launched in 2006 by Kanebo Foods, which became Kracie in 2007. The gum contains geraniol, an aroma compound found in rose oil. The idea is that your body absorbs it and slowly releases a faint rose smell through the skin about an hour or two after chewing. The men’s version was aimed squarely at salarymen worried about body odour.
It was a real hit in Japan. Kanebo announced in 2007 that it was the best-selling gum in convenience stores in some regions, and The Japan Times later wrote about businessmen “coming out smelling like roses”. The gum was discontinued in 2010.
Did people really smell of roses? We couldn’t find any proof either way, and a gentle whiff is probably the best case. Still, it beats garlic gum.
More snacks with side effects: bacon mints and absinthe lollipops.
From the 2008 original
A new japanese chewing gum called “Otoko Kaoru” does not only refresh your breath, but also makes your whole body smell good. Chewing gum called “Otoko Kaoru”, which translates to “man scent” emits rose smelling oils when being chewed on, causing the chewers whole body to start smelling like roses few hours afterwards. The whole thing works in a similar manner as garlic, or alcohol, which also affect the smell of the person who has digested them – only in a less positive manner.
A spokesperson for the manufacturer has told, that the “man scent” chewing gum has already proved to be so big success, that they could not meet the demand in the market.
Source: www.stippy.com
