Focusing on the Smell of Shelter Spaces: Fitz Corporation Participates in the Kumamoto Earthquake 10th Anniversary Project 'TKB48 Shelter Training'

Fitz Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Yasushi Toshikazu) participated as a cooperating company in the Kumamoto Earthquake 10th Anniversary Project 'TKB48 Shelter Training' held at Aqua Dome Kumamoto in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture from May 15 (Fri) to May 18 (Mon), 2026. In this training, the company focused on the 'smell and air environment' of shelter spaces and installed a developing fragrance diffuser. They adjusted the strength and operating time of the fragrance according to the size and usage scenarios of temporary tents, and verified the possibility of improving the impression of the space with fragrance in shelter spaces where unpleasant smells are likely to occur.

■ Background of Participation in This Training

The 'TKB48 Shelter Training' is a practical training aimed at creating a high-quality shelter environment equipped with 'Toilet (T)', 'Kitchen (K)', and 'Bed (B)' within 48 hours after a disaster. This training was conducted under the auspices of Kumamoto City and the planning and management of Shelter One Co., Ltd., with collaboration among local governments, companies, and disaster support organizations.

So far, as a fragrance manufacturer, we have proposed the value of fragrance in daily life and commercial spaces. On the other hand, in disaster shelters where many people spend long hours, in addition to visible facilities such as toilets, meals, and beds, we believe that 'invisible discomfort' such as smell and air environment can also be factors affecting comfort. Based on this background, we participated as a cooperating company in this training to verify the possibility of applying fragrance knowledge to improve the shelter environment.

Shelter facilities (tents) have various challenges related to the 'comfort of the space,' such as smells originating from the materials of the facilities, smells generated while using the living space, and changes in the air environment due to meals and people coming and going. On the other hand, fragrance is also a delicate thing that is perceived differently by each person. Therefore, in this training, we focused on not unilaterally delivering the fragrance but adjusting it according to the space and time, and delivering it with the necessary strength to the necessary places. We believe that by adding 'fragrance as an option' to the air in shelters, we can contribute to creating a space where people can feel a little more at ease.

In the future, we will continue to consider fragrance not just as a preference but as an element that improves the quality of spaces where people stay, not only in daily spaces but also in public spaces with high public relevance such as shelters.

Participation Overview

In this training, as an initiative focusing on the 'smell and air environment' of shelter spaces, the company provided and installed a developing aroma diffuser. The targets for installation were tents used by residents and tents for supporters and staff. They adjusted the strength and operating time of the fragrance according to the size and usage scenarios of each space and verified the nature of smell and air environment in shelters.

Item

Content

Participating Event

Kumamoto Earthquake 10th Anniversary Project 'TKB48 Shelter Training'

Implementation Period

May 15 (Fri), 2026 ~ May 18 (Mon)

Implementation Location

Aqua Dome Kumamoto Multi-purpose Plaza

Organizer

Kumamoto City

Planning and Management

Shelter One Co., Ltd.

Our Participation Content

Provision and installation of a developing aroma diffuser

■ Adding Fragrance as an Option to Shelter Spaces Where Unpleasant Smells Are Likely to Occur

In this training, we installed a developing fragrance diffuser inside temporary tents and confirmed how the fragrance is perceived in shelter spaces and how it blends with the space.

In shelters, there is a possibility of issues related to smell, such as vinyl and rubber odors originating from the facility materials and living odors that are likely to occur in spaces where people spend long hours. In this training, we verified whether fragrance can be one option to improve the impression of the space in such environments where unpleasant smells are likely to occur.

Considering that the venue is an outdoor shelter environment, we adopted a natural green fragrance that blends well with the outside air and adjusted the strength and operating time of the fragrance according to the space and time.

■ Smart Control to Avoid 'Forcing' Fragrance

In shelters where people of different ages, physical conditions, and fragrance preferences stay in the same space, it is more important to be able to adjust the fragrance appropriately than to deliver it.

The developing aroma diffuser used this time is designed to be able to adjust the strength and operating time of the fragrance via a smartphone app. By changing the strength of the fragrance according to usage scenarios such as daytime when there are many comings and goings, mealtime, and before bedtime, we aimed to utilize it in a way that fits the space.

■ Participants' Impressions

We introduce some of the impressions of those who experienced the fragrance of the developing aroma diffuser inside the tent in this training.

*Note: These are individual impressions of participants and do not indicate effects or efficacy.

・I was surprised to have aroma in a shelter, but I felt happy that there was a comforting fragrance at such a time.

・I was able to spend a calm time before bed because there was a fragrance.

・Even in an outdoor shelter environment, the fragrance was natural and green, so I felt it blended well with the space.

Thoughts Behind Participation

When it comes to fragrance in shelters, it may seem surprising at first glance. However, in spaces where many people spend long hours, we believe that not only visible facilities but also smell and air environment are important elements that affect comfort.

Different beds, different lighting, different sounds.

Continuing restless days.

But it is at such times that fragrance can become something that slightly moves your feelings forward, we believe. On the other hand, fragrance is also a delicate thing that is perceived differently by each person.

Therefore, in this training, we focused on not unilaterally delivering the fragrance but adjusting it according to the space and time, and verifying the nature of 'smell and air environment' in shelters.

Based on the insights gained from this training, Fitz Corporation will consider the nature of smell and air environment in spaces where diverse people spend long hours, such as shelters, welfare facilities, public facilities, and disaster support bases.

In addition, through collaboration with local governments, disaster support organizations, and companies involved in shelter operations, we will verify the role that fragrance and air environment play in the quality of life and aim for more implementable forms of social contribution.

Company Profile

Fitz Corporation is a fragrance manufacturer that plans, develops, and sells brands and products centered around 'fragrance.'

We offer a variety of products and services centered around fragrance, including fragrances, body care, hair care, and space fragrances, and propose the value of fragrance in daily life and spaces.

■ Company Name: Fitz Corporation

■ Representative: Representative Director Yasushi Toshikazu

■ Location: 7-8F, Oak Omotesando Building, 3-6-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061

■ Founded: 1990

■ Main Business Content

・Wholesale and retail of imported overseas brands (perfumes, cosmetics, miscellaneous goods, etc.)

・Planning, development, manufacturing, and sales of original perfumes, cosmetics, miscellaneous goods, and licensed products

■ Homepage: https://fits-japan.com/

■ FITS you. STORE: https