Launched in 1964, Zen was Shiseido's first product developed specifically for the overseas market. Evoking a sense of oriental mysteriousness through its subtle fragrance, Zen packaging used traditional lacquer designs taken from 16th century motifs of a Kyoto temple. One year from Zen's introduction, Shiseido established its U.S. subsidiary using the name "House of Zen" (later renamed Shiseido Cosmetics (America) Ltd.) and began full-scale sales in the United States.

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