Shiseido introduced Flowline hair tonic in 1915. Advertisements in women's magazines of the time described it as “An ideal new product that prevents hair-loss and eliminates dandruff with the most advanced hair tonic.”

The product came in an unusual oval-shaped bottle with a label written in English, including the words “Shiseido” and “Ginza,” giving it a very Western feel.

At this time in Japan, imported items were considered to be of high quality. The First World War, however, made importing difficult, and Flowline tonic and its packaging compared well with imported products, making it a hit. The formula and design have undergone changes, but it is still sold over ninety years since its introduction, an indicator of its superior quality.