"Scent" is another vital sense that supports creativity, just like sight and sound. Born in 1999, P→★ (P-Star) is a multi-talented performer, DJ, model, and choreographer. For him, fragrance acts as a secret switch that helps him shift between the stage and everyday life. In this exclusive email interview, we dive into his personal stories and memories tied to scent.

1. As an artist, does “Scent” ever inspire your creativity?

In my artistic activities, I engage in various forms of creativity, and mental control plays a huge role—so I often use scent as a way to shift my mindset.

I also switch up my fragrances depending on what I’m wearing that day, which helps me express myself with more elegance and imagination.

All five senses are connected, so I feel like scent influences me on a subconscious level as well.

2. Do you consciously incorporate “Scent” into your artistic activities? For example, using certain fragrances to focus or relax?

I usually have a specific scent I wear during actual performances, but during rehearsals, where I sweat a lot, I prioritize freshness. So I go for fragrances that resemble fabric softener or clean, soapy scents.

Also, sleep quality is extremely important in sustaining my artistic work, so I make a point of using aroma sprays on my pillow to help me relax and get restful sleep.

3. Has a "Scent" ever triggered memories, emotions, or a specific moment from your past? If so, could you share an episode?

Yes, there was a dance mentor who guided me with both kindness and firmness. When I was in elementary school, I was still adjusting to a new environment and found myself constantly under pressure during lessons and rehearsals.

That teacher always wore a unique, elegant vanilla-like perfume. Even now, at 25, whenever I catch that scent from someone passing by on the street, I instinctively look around—and in that instant, all the nervousness I felt back then comes rushing back. (laughs)

4. Was there a "Scent" you loved as a child, or one you still adore today? Please share a short episode if you have one.

I’ve always been drawn to fragrances labeled as “SABON” or soap-like scents, those are usually my favorites.

Aside from that, this might be hard to explain, but I really love the refined aroma you encounter in international airport duty-free zones or in department stores filled with high-end brands.

Since I was fortunate enough to start performing as an artist in elementary school, I often traveled overseas for live shows. I came to love that luxurious blend of high-end perfumes—especially the kind you can smell in domestic and international terminals. That elegant scent left a lasting impression on me.

5. Have you ever wanted to try incorporating scent into a performance or creative work?

Yes, I remember being amazed when I attended a live concert by SEKAI NO OWARI. There was a scene that resembled cooking, and they actually filled the venue with the scent of grilled meat. It left a strong impression on me, and I’ve always wanted to try something like that in one of my own shows.

Another unforgettable moment was at Tokyo DisneySea’s Soaring: Fantastic Flight. During a desert-like scene, there was a part where you could smell something like grasslands or sand, it completely caught me off guard.

One day, I’d love to create an entertainment experience where scent plays a role in my performance, allowing the audience to enjoy the show through more than just sight and sound.

6. Do you have any favorite perfumes, incense, or essential oils that you use in your daily life?

Yes! I absolutely love the scent of SABON's Eau de Sabon Delicate Jasmine. I love it so much that I have the perfume, body cream, and even the body scrub in the same fragrance. (laughs)

When I want something more elegant, I go with chapter 65 by Aiam. I adore this scent too, I even have the matching hair oil and body cream.

7. Is there a fragrance that you feel represents you?

Aiam’s chapter 65.

My life motto is to remain true to myself without being categorized. I don’t want to be boxed into something “masculine” or “feminine.” By wearing fragrances that transcend such labels, I feel I’m expressing my authentic self.

8. Do you have a scent that’s essential for your ideal holidays or relaxation time?

On days off or when I want to relax, I’m usually outdoors, I love lying down in nature or at the park, enjoying the natural air and scents around me.

When I go for walks, I relax by enjoying the aromas from local food stalls or shops along the way.

9. If you could create your own fragrance, what kind of scent would it be? And what name would you give it?

I feel like I have two distinct “switches” in me: my everyday self and my stage self. So I’d love to create 2 fragrances: one with a clean, soapy scent (like my favorite perfumes) and another with an elegant aroma.

As for names... I’m someone who loves to make things very clear-cut, so while it might not sound mainstream, I’d boldly name them "PRIVATE" and "STAGE". (laughs)

10. Is there a memorable scent you’ve encountered during tours or personal travels?

I’m part of XY, the group produced by YOSHIKI from X JAPAN, and the rose fragrance that lingers from YOSHIKI himself is incredibly memorable. I’ve never asked which brand it is, but every time I catch that scent, I just quietly bask in its elegance. (laughs)

11. How important do you think scent is when forming an impression of someone you meet?

First impressions often come from personality and appearance, but I feel scent is just as important.

When I meet fans, many of them say, “You smell so nice!” as soon as we start talking, which makes me realize how impactful scent can be, so I make sure to pay attention to it.

12. Do you feel the difference in scents depending on the season, such as a “perfect winter scent” or “a scent that evokes spring”?

In winter, I think stronger, more lasting scents are a perfect fit.

For summer, since it’s hot and harder to stay fresh, I feel light and refreshing scents work best.

13. Do you have any personal routines or rituals with scent in your daily life or artistic activities?

Before leaving the house or going on stage, I apply fragrance. I’ve heard that spraying it behind the knees helps the scent spread better, so I do that.

I also have this little ritual where I spray the perfume above me and walk through it like I’m stepping into magic.

14. What is the most “unique” scent you’ve ever experienced?

I think it was a few years ago, but the scent of incense surprised me at first. It has this nostalgic quality, almost like it melts into the space around you, it felt truly unique.

15. Are there any values, beliefs, or messages you want to convey as an artist, beyond the theme of fragrance?

I believe in never losing sight of myself. As an artist who delivers entertainment, it’s important to absorb information and face the current times through platforms like social media. But, I also strive to stay grounded, not to be swept away or consumed by the constant flow of information. On that foundation, I want to share expressions that are unique to me and free from limitations.

In addition to my activities with "XY", I recently started a duo unit within the group called "FASHION KILLAS" with another member.

I hope to keep evolving and taking on new challenges without staying confined to just one form.

P→★

1999.8.30／Performer, DJ, Model, Choreographer

 After graduating from TEMPURA KIDZ in 2021, he launched his solo career. In 2023, he joined “XY,” a group produced by YOSHIKI.

Since 2025, he has also been active as part of the duo unit “FASHION KILLAS” with fellow XY member KICE.