SCENTMATIC Inc., a company specializing in digitizing olfaction to create new customer experiences, has jointly developed "meiji THE Cacao Chocolate Diagnosis" with Meiji Co., Ltd. This innovative system recommends chocolate based on individual scent preferences.
The experience will be featured as the main attraction at the popup event "meets THE Cacao - A Unique Cacao Experience Shop by meiji THE Cacao," opening at Yurakucho Marui on January 27, 2026 (Tuesday). The chocolate diagnosis will be available during the first half of the event, from January 27 (Tuesday) through February 2 (Monday).
※KAORIUM is a registered trademark of SCENTMATIC Inc.
Verbalizing "Cacao Scents" with KAORIUM: A New Way to Discover Your Perfect Chocolate
Meiji has long explored the world of chocolate and cacao, dedicating efforts to sharing their appeal. The premium cacao brand "Meiji The Cacao" series represents products with strong commitment to origin and production methods.
This "meiji THE Cacao" popup event is a limited-time experience celebrating how winter's cold makes chocolate taste even better. The event offers special experiences and exclusive products that allow visitors to enjoy the distinct flavors of cacao from different origins. The main feature, "meiji THE Cacao Chocolate Diagnosis," will be available in-store for anyone to experience during the first half of the event, from January 27 (Tuesday) through February 2 (Monday).
The "meiji THE Cacao Chocolate Diagnosis" is based on Meiji's proprietary "Flavor Wheel," a tool that classifies chocolate's taste and aroma elements. The system selected 12 representative cacao scents and connected them with SCENTMATIC's AI system "KAORIUM," which converts between scent and language. By visualizing the delicate aromas of cacao that were previously difficult to verbalize and analyzing customers' scent preferences, the system creates encounters with "ideal cacao" that customers might not have discovered on their own.
Based on the diagnosis results, visitors can enjoy personalized shopping experiences unique to this event, including recommendations for limited products and special pairing suggestions.
Comments from Development Teams
Regarding this joint development, representatives from both companies shared the following:
SCENTMATIC's Mr. Oyama:
"We feel great potential in being able to verbalize the 'scent' of chocolate, something beloved by everyone, and support customers in their product selection. By fusing Meiji's expertise in cacao with our KAORIUM technology, we've made intuitive chocolate selection possible in ways never seen before. We hope visitors will experience the surprise of having their 'favorite scents' visualized and the joy of discovering their destined cacao at the venue."
Meiji's Ms. Matsuoka from Global Cacao Business Headquarters, Cacao Marketing Department, Cacao New Business Group:
"At Meiji, we have been working to convey the diverse appeal of cacao through tools like the Flavor Wheel. Through this joint development with KAORIUM, we want more people to experience the excitement of exploring 'cacao that matches their sensibilities' beyond just 'delicious,' by guiding them through language. Whether as a treat for yourself or a gift for someone special, we hope visitors will find that perfect piece that resonates with them personally, making this Valentine's Day more special than ever."
SCENTMATIC will continue to verbalize the profound world of chocolate's aromas through "KAORIUM" and joint development with Meiji, sharing new aspects of cacao's appeal.
Event Details
Event Name: "meets THE Cacao" - A Unique Cacao Experience Shop by meiji THE Cacao
Dates: January 27, 2026 (Tuesday) to February 14, 2026 (Saturday), 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM ※Subject to facility operating hours
Location: Yurakucho Marui 1F Event Space, 2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Content:
[Full Event Period] Sales of new products, popular items, and collaboration products; eat-in limited menu items
[First Half: January 27 to February 2] Interactive experience "meiji THE Cacao Chocolate Diagnosis"
[Second Half: February 3 to February 14] "meiji THE Cacao Original Gift BOX" sales
※"meiji THE Cacao Chocolate Diagnosis" is available on a walk-in basis and free to experience.
※During busy periods, there may be waiting times for "meiji THE Cacao Chocolate Diagnosis."
※Experience duration varies by individual.
About "Meiji The Cacao"
To bring out cacao's authentic taste and aroma, no detail is overlooked, not even a single bean.
From origin to blending, every process is carefully considered.
Offering quality that seems crafted by a chocolatier, in a form accessible to everyone.
Is this really cacao? This too is cacao?
Delivering not just deliciousness, but exciting enjoyment to you.
One bite that fulfills your heart. And more.
https://www.meiji.co.jp/products/brand/the-cacao/
"Meiji The Cacao" uses cacao beans from regions where Meiji's own cacao farmer support activity "Meiji Cacao Support" has been implemented. The chocolate is made with careful attention to everything from cacao origin to production methods, bringing out cacao's authentic flavors that only Meiji can achieve. The lineup is based on three cacao flavor profiles: "Nutty Cacao" using Venezuelan cacao beans with nutty aromas, "Floral Cacao Latte" using Peruvian cacao beans with floral aromas, "Fruity Cacao" using Dominican Republic cacao beans with fruity aromas, and "Fruity Cacao Latte" combining Fruity Cacao base with milk.
As a brand delivering new deliciousness and enjoyment of "cacao" beyond the realm of traditional "chocolate," we will continue to bring exciting products in the future.
About KAORIUM - The AI System Converting Scent and Language
KAORIUM is an AI system developed by SCENTMATIC that converts between scent and language. Using cutting-edge technology, it makes it possible to visualize the vague and elusive impressions of scents with words, or to derive scents associated with certain words. Additionally, the experience of deeply appreciating scents while being conscious of words activates both hemispheres of the brain (※1), bringing awareness to our undiscovered sensibilities. The value created by this unprecedented experience connecting scent and language is expected to generate new business opportunities not only in the world of fragrance but also in sensory education, dining experiences, shopping experiences, and various other fields.
(※1) Reference: "Effects of Attention on Olfactory Processing in the Brain - Detection of Brain Activity Changes Within One Second After Odor Presentation Using EEG Measurement" https://www.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp/topics/topics_20190322-1.html
KAORIUM Concept Movie: https://youtu.be/wnfDTy6cJ8A
About SCENTMATIC Inc.
SCENTMATIC is a company that creates new "scent experiences" with KAORIUM, an AI that verbalizes scents. The "olfactory digitalization" we provide evolves human sensibilities and is utilized in various business scenarios. This innovation has been recognized internationally, winning a Silver Award at the globally renowned 'A' Design Award.'
Representative: Toshiharu Kurisu, CEO
Location: 3F, 4-22-7 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0013
Website: https://scentmatic.co.jp
