Our Story

Sakura Fresh Brand Story

Founded in 2008 in Hokkaido, Japan, Sakura Fresh began with a simple yet revolutionary idea: to transform toilet cleaning from a dreaded chore into a sensory experience that embodies the Japanese principles of harmony, respect, and mindfulness.

Our founder, master perfumer Hiroshi Tanaka, was inspired during a cherry blossom viewing (hanami) when he noticed how something as simple as falling petals could bring joy and tranquility. He wondered why everyday household tasks couldn't evoke similar feelings of pleasure and mindfulness.

After three years of research and development in collaboration with leading chemists and environmental scientists, Sakura Fresh launched its first cotton candy toilet cleaner. This innovative product combined effective cleaning power with the sensory delight of dissolving cotton candy and the subtle fragrance of cherry blossoms.

Today, our company continues to pioneer eco-luxury cleaning solutions that honor Japanese aesthetic traditions while embracing modern sustainability practices. Each Sakura Fresh product is designed to create a moment of tranquility and beauty in the most unexpected place—your bathroom.

Our Values

Environmental Harmony

We create products that clean effectively while respecting the natural world. Our formulations are biodegradable, our packaging is minimal and recyclable, and our manufacturing processes conserve water and energy.

Sensory Delight

We believe that everyday experiences can be transformed through thoughtful design and sensory engagement. Our products appeal to sight, smell, and touch to create moments of joy in daily routines.

Cultural Respect

We draw inspiration from Japanese aesthetic principles while honoring their cultural significance. We work with local artisans and ingredients, supporting traditional knowledge and practices.

Innovative Excellence

We continuously explore new technologies and formulations that can improve both cleaning efficacy and environmental sustainability. We never stop asking "what if?" and "how might we?"

Our Manufacturing Philosophy

Sakura Fresh Manufacturing

Located at the foot of Mount Yōtei in Hokkaido, our manufacturing facility embodies the Japanese concept of kaizen (continuous improvement) and mottainai (avoiding waste).

Small-Batch Production

Every Sakura Fresh product is created in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. Our artisans oversee each stage of production, from the blending of raw ingredients to the final packaging.

Sustainable Practices

Our facility operates on 100% renewable energy from geothermal and solar sources. We harvest rainwater for non-production uses and maintain a zero-waste policy, with all production by-products being composted or recycled.

Quality Control

Each batch undergoes 27 separate quality checks before being approved for distribution. We test not only for cleaning efficacy but also for sensory experience, ensuring that every product delivers on our promise of functional beauty.

Our Certifications

Eco Mark (Japan)

Japan's premier environmental product certification, recognizing products that minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

Carbon Neutral Certified

Our operations achieve net-zero carbon emissions through a combination of reduction strategies and verified carbon offset projects.

Cruelty-Free International

We never test on animals and source ingredients only from suppliers who maintain the same ethical standards.

Cradle to Cradle Certified

Our products are designed for circular economy, with materials that can be safely reused, recycled, or composted.

Meet Our Team

The people behind Sakura Fresh share a passion for creating products that unite functionality, sustainability, and Japanese aesthetics. Our diverse team brings together expertise in chemistry, design, environmental science, and traditional Japanese crafts.

Team member 1

Yumiko Tanaka

CEO & Founder

After a successful career as a perfumer, Yumiko founded Sakura Fresh with the vision of bringing beauty and mindfulness to everyday cleaning tasks. She leads product development and sets the creative direction for the company.

Team member 2

Akiko Watanabe

Chief Chemist

With a PhD in organic chemistry and specialization in sustainable formulations, Akiko leads our R&D team in developing innovative cleaning solutions that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

Team member 3

Takeshi Yamamoto

Sustainability Director

An environmental scientist with expertise in lifecycle assessment, Takeshi ensures that every aspect of our operations—from sourcing to manufacturing to packaging—meets the highest standards of environmental responsibility.

Team member 4

Harumi Kato

Creative Director

With a background in traditional Japanese arts and modern design, Harumi oversees our product aesthetics, packaging, and visual identity, ensuring that every Sakura Fresh product is as beautiful as it is functional.

Team member 5

Kenji Suzuki

Operations Manager

Drawing on his experience in sustainable manufacturing, Kenji oversees our production facility, implementing Japanese management principles like kaizen (continuous improvement) to optimize efficiency while maintaining quality.

Awards & Recognition

2023

Sustainable Innovation Award

Tokyo Design Week recognized our cotton candy cleaning technology for combining aesthetic beauty with environmental sustainability.

2022

Green Product Excellence

Japan Environmental Business Association awarded Sakura Fresh for our commitment to eco-friendly formulations and packaging.

2020

Best in Show: Home Category

International Design Excellence Awards recognized our Yuzu Citrus cleaner for its innovative fusion of functionality and sensory experience.

2018

Asian Innovation Prize

Our cotton candy cleaning technology was recognized for creating a new category in household cleaning products.

2015

Good Design Award

Japan Institute of Design Promotion recognized our original Sakura Bloom cleaner for excellence in design and user experience.