They say fragrance is a language that doesn’t speak in words. Perhaps that’s why, for its debut in the world of scents, Onitsuka Tiger chose to keep words to a minimum. This year, the Japanese label releases its first quartet of eaux de parfum, simply named Onitsuka Tiger One, Two, Three and Four.
When I first heard about the launch, I was intrigued for two reasons. First, what would the bold Onitsuka Tiger universe smell like in a bottle (or four)? And second, why the deliberate restraint in naming—so pared back, so veiled? According to the brand, the collection, titled Wearing Quiet Radiance, is built on the beauty of contrast. In other words, where the fashion house is known for its intrepid spirit, its fragrances lean into nuance, delicacy and the unspoken.
Created by perfumer Mark Buxton—whose name you may recognise from contemporary cult perfumes by Le Labo and Comme des Garçons—each scent is designed to challenge convention with spirited audacity, presented in a vivid yellow bottle. True to Onitsuka Tiger’s ethos of refinement, the fragrances are crafted entirely in Grasse, Provence, from raw material to finished product.
So, how do they smell? Are they unique? And which one stands out? While it’s impossible to crown one objectively superior, I did have a clear favourite—one that may well join my fragrance rotation.
#1: Onitsuka Tiger One
Notes: peppermint oil, white flowers, jasmine sambac, rosemary oil, vetiver, leather, musk, guaiac wood
Green fragrances have surged in popularity for their crisp freshness, and I’ve happily traded in peony-heavy florals for cleaner, sharper blends. Onitsuka Tiger One fits neatly into this shift. It opens with a burst of peppermint before mellowing into white florals. What makes it irresistible, though, is its base: earthy vetiver and sensual musk, both prized for their complexity and staying power.
#2: Onitsuka Tiger Four
Notes: lemon essence, cedarwood, bergamot oil, vanilla, nutmeg oil, absinthe oil, musk
Don’t mistake this for a plain vanilla. Onitsuka Tiger Four is crisp, bright and layered. The opening citrus—lemon and bergamot—gives way to cedarwood warmth, before settling into a rounded vanilla-and-musk drydown. Of the four, it offered the best sillage and longevity, making it a strong choice for humid climates like Singapore.
#3: Onitsuka Tiger Three
Notes: Brazilian orange oil, violet, rose, patchouli oil, almond, sea note, bergamot oil
The sweetest and most luminous of the collection, Onitsuka Tiger Three is soft and floral, led by violet and rose. Feminine at first impression but ultimately unisex, it balances brightness with hints of spice and subtle smokiness. A versatile option for anyone drawn to warmth and softness in equal measure.
#4: Onitsuka Tiger Two
Notes: green note, lemon oil, bergamot oil, powdery note, geranium oil, sandalwood
Of the quartet, Onitsuka Tiger Two resonated with me the least—not for lack of quality, but because of personal preference. The opening brims with citrus, but what dominates is a smoky incense note that lingers, eventually softening into musk, sandalwood and powder. It’s a richer, moodier fragrance, ideal for a sultry evening out or even a whisky night. Just not one I’d reach for daily.
Discover Onitsuka Tiger’s fragrances here.
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