Natsukashii

A collaborative creation by Lost Tribe x Elixir Attar

Natsukashii — a word in Japanese that evokes the gentle ache of nostalgia, the beauty of remembrance, and the sweetness of moments long past — becomes the namesake for this tender, ethereal fragrance. Created in collaboration with the visionary artisan Elixir Attar, Natsukashii is the second chapter in our ongoing exploration of Japanese Zen culture.

At its heart, Natsukashii is an introspective floral musk steeped in serene elegance. Built around a lush gardenia and softened by a luxurious trilogy of natural musks, the composition is further anchored by the deep, almost meditative presence of Hainan oud — one of the rarest ouds in the world.

The opening of Natsukashii is like stepping into a soft, late-spring breeze that carries with it both clarity and complexity. Sparkling Sichuan pepper provides a gentle prickle to the senses, not harsh or jarring, but subtly awakening. This is layered with the green, slightly fermented sweetness of elderflower, offering a rustic counterpoint to the velvety powder of violet. Jasmine CO2 and golden osmanthus — bright yet restrained — round out the top notes, adding a sunny fruitiness.

As the fragrance deepens, it unfurls into a breathtaking floral heart. Here, gardenia reigns — not the brash white of modern synthetic interpretations, but a true-to-life capture of the flower’s creamy, humid warmth. The gardenia is joined by a symphony of white florals: the indolic sensuality of tuberose, the crystalline clarity of jasmine sambac, and the green-spiced brightness of jasmine auriculatum. A rare note of champaca introduces an almost tea-like depth, while boronia and heliotrope add softness and powder. These elements are woven with a precise touch, like brushstrokes in a Zen ink painting — never overdone, always balanced.

Of particular note is the inclusion of chrysanthemum and aglaia, two florals deeply rooted in East Asian horticulture and symbolism. Chrysanthemum brings a cool, almost mineralic floral tone, signifying autumnal peace, while aglaia — rarely used in perfumery — lends a honeyed, slightly fruit-like nuance, echoing youth and transience. A trace of rose CO2 subtly stitches the entire bouquet together, but it is the gardenia that remains luminous throughout.

The drydown is where Natsukashii reveals its deepest secrets. A triad of natural musks — Siberian, Mongolian, and Kashmiri — were chosen not for their brute strength, but for their nuanced texture and extraordinary softness. These musks melt into the skin, warm and sensual without heaviness. They are joined by real ambergris, whose oceanic, slightly animalic glow brings an airy, timeless elegance to the foundation.

But at the core of the base lies the rare Hainan oud. Sourced from China’s southernmost province, this oud is one of the most elusive and precious in the world. Far from the smoky aggression of more well-known ouds, Hainan’s signature is subtle and radiant —

honey, woody, almost tea-like, with hints of sun-baked earth and resin. It is the grounding force of Natsukashii, both ancient and modern in tone, deepening the composition’s Zen soul.

A refined trace of patchouli, aged and smooth, lends an earthiness to the structure, while fine Mysore sandalwood introduces a creamy, sacred woodiness. A golden drizzle of honey — floral and light — completes the composition, adding a soft glow to the entire experience, like a lantern at dusk.

Notes: Sichuan Pepper, Elderflower, Violet, Jasmine CO2, Osmanthus, Gardenia, Tuberose, Jasmine Sambac, Jasmine Auriculatum, Champaca, Boronia, Heliotrope, Rose CO2, Chrysanthemum, Aglaia, Musk (Siberian / Mongolian / Kashmiri), Ambergris, Hainan Oud, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Honey