The Yamanote Line
By Masayuki Ino
@__doublet__In Tokyo, there is a train called Yamanote Line, which runs in a circle around the center of Tokyo. It is very interesting even though the distance between each stations is only about 1.2km, each station has a different culture, each region has its own characteristics and uniqueness such us places that value old traditions or places that chase the trend. We naturally embrace different cultures in close proximity. I believe that mixed feeling like kind of martial arts gives birth of creative Tokyo.
To talk more about fashion in Tokyo, before the development of the internet, wide variety of fashion styles were born from the cultures. Then people who were influenced by that style created a new style again and again. From the perspective of foreigners, this mixed styles and fashion may have seen unique and recognized as Tokyo’s fashion style.
However, for the past few years, the amount of information we see and feel is vast and trend is changing so quickly. I felt that the uniqueness that everyone used to follow the same trend and style have disappeared. But it is also true that younger generation, who are accustomed to the rapid changes of trend and information, are gradually beginning to develop unique and original styles. I am looking forward to the evolving fashion history of Tokyo in the future.
tokyovitamin's Sounds of Tokyo
By Vick Okada
@vickokadaThis playlist pretty much sums up how I feel walking or biking around Shibuya and Harajuku, a central location in Tokyo with shops, good food, and events. I spend most of my time in this area so I feel these songs represent what’s directly going on around me and what people are talking about in this city. I feel Japanese music has often influenced and been influenced by various countries, but especially America, similar to clothing and sneakers.
In addition, these artists to me represent the internet generation, where they grew up taking in the same culture across music, fashion, movies, and social media in Japan, as someone did in any other country. That’s why I think their music sonically sounds more seamless to music from America, but still keeping their own unique elements especially through the use of the Japanese language.
Tokyo Essence
By Poggy
@poggythemanHow would you describe Tokyo in several words? What does Tokyo mean to you?
Fashion, ‘Otaku’ (Nerd) Culture, a 24 hour city that never sleeps, super convenient, and more. As a lover of clothes, I never get tired of the city.
Is there a location or place (shop, restaurant, museum, etc) that you think truly sums up Tokyo and Tokyo culture?
It’s hard to say since there are places scattered all over the city, but if I had to pick just one I would say Shibuya Parco or . Since the 1970’s Shibuya Parco has been presenting not only fashion, but also art, music and film as an integral part of its culture. In 2001 KAWS held his first major solo exhibition there. Of course, it’s still very active in the arts and is also a place where you can experience games, food and much more. I also go to Nakano Broadway regularly as its an interesting place where art, anime, manga and antique watches are all condensed into a single place.
Where do you go now for inspiration or to see something unique and new?
I don’t have a particular place in mind, but I find inspiration in many things; looking at and feeling vintage clothing, looking at art in galleries, and eating at restaurants.
Where were you when you realized you wanted to do what you’re currently doing? What made you think that?
It was in the mid 90’s in Sapporo, my hometown. For a while I wanted to be a musician or a professional athlete, but I wasn’t really cut out for it, so I casually began thinking about doing something in fashion instead.
Check out some of Poggy’s favorite items and places below.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/2-2-900x900.png)
Hajime Sorayama x POGGYTHEMAN Jacket
This jacket is made of tweed from the internationally renowned British fabric manufacturer LINTON and features a print by the celebrated artist Hajime Sorayama. The buttons are like an artwork in their own right as they were produced in partnership with the team that produces Sorayama’s work.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/2a-900x900.png)
Hajime Sorayama x POGGYTHEMAN Jacket
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/3-2-900x900.png)
Ambush POW Ring
This is an Ambush ring that was available in the legendary Liquor, Woman & Tears store in Aoyama, Tokyo, where I was the director from 2006 to 2009. This ring is one of the iconic items from this era.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/4-2-900x900.png)
Levi’s ‘S506XXE’ Denim Jacket
This oversized wide-fit denim jacket, or ‘T-Back’ as its commonly known, has been getting a lot of attention recently. Mr. Fujiwara from the vintage store BerBerJin asked Levi’s to revive the style and it sold out as soon as it was released.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/1-1-900x900.png)
Levi’s ‘S506XXE’ Denim Jacket
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/6-2-900x900.png)
Maison Margiela Coat
I bought this 90’s Martin Margiela coat from ‘Archive Store’ about three years ago. You can feel the atmosphere of the time and the transition of the brand in the detailed work, such as the bold, coarse silver paint.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/7-2-900x900.png)
Undercover x Kaws Jacket
Collaborations between street artists and fashion is now a commonplace occurrence, but it was Harajuku in the 90’s that was at the forefront of this trend. This jacket was released in 2000 and it still feels fresh and relevant today.
![_DSC8030 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/DSC8030-1-1200x800.jpg)
There are some clothes that still remain relevant even after 20 years have passed, like the UNDERCOVER x KAWS jacket that I introduced in the items category. 2G is a space that creates and carries clothes that follows this artistic vein; bringing the worlds of fashion and art together, as well as art toys, for customers to enjoy. I find one of the greatest aspects of contemporary art is having the opportunity to meet the artists, and wear clothes that include the artist’s unique character lending them a whole new value. Five or ten years from now I want to look back at the clothes I’m creating now and reminisce saying ‘look at the details I was focused on back then, what interesting clothes I used to make.
15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
![_DSC7779 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/DSC7779-1-1200x800.jpg)
In America denim was regarded as workwear; it was in Japan that people studied denim as a fashion item, obsessively researching what brand, what model number that movie star was wearing, what’s the width of the hem in centimetres, how has the tag, colors and details differed from year to year? This is the origin of the American Casual style; made by the Japanese and reimported back to the U.S. BerBerJin is a great example of a store that represents the Japanese obsessive mania for finding rarity in the details. I especially recommend the basement floor, where you’ll find the director of the store, Mr. Fujiwara. His enthusiasm for vintage denim is overwhelming.
3 Chome−26-11, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
![_DSC7828 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/DSC7828-1-1200x800.jpg)
The scale of the secondary distribution market in Tokyo is unparalleled – with vintage stores and second-hand stores for every genre. You can find conceptual stores like Archive Store, which houses a collection of valuable archival fashion including 90’s Raf Simons and Comme des Garçons, as well as more casual vintage clothing in Shimokitazawa, and heritage brands in Koenji.
1 Chome−12−16 和光ビル B1F, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/DSC9117-1-1200x800.jpg)
L’ECHOPPE has recently opened a second store in MIYASHITA PARK, and now both this new location and the original store in Minami-Aoyama are attracting attention from fashion freaks. The store is great at communicating ‘traditional’ style, which is what a good boutique store should do. This interaction with customers is extremely important, as traditional items will never change or go out of style. The more basic the product, the more difficult it is to convey its charm without properly putting it into words. I think the fact that we are actively communicating the role of boutiques with videos on YouTube in a polite and proactive manner is also contributing to their popularity.
3 Chome-17-3 1F, Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
![_06A1381 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/06A1381-1-1200x800.jpg)
I launched a boutique called Liquor, Woman & Tears (hereinafter referred to as LWT) back in 2006 when I used to work for UNITED ARROWS. The current UNITED ARROWS & SONS that we see today evolved from LWT. At the time, LWT offered a mix of styles from Japanese and international designers to street brands, and artists from around the world such as Kanye West and Virgil Abloh would stop by the store. At LWT, I was able to fuse Tokyo’s unique, fun and maniacal style with the more formal style that is UNITED ARROWS’ forte. Though I am no longer the director, I think that the store will continue to introduce innovative style to the world.
3 Chome−28−1, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
The Nike Air Woven & Ice Cream Skate Team
@jimmygoreckiWhen I think about fashion, streetwear, and specifically Sneakers some of the early motivating things this may sound weird but the first thing that always comes to mind is Nike Air Woven. Pre tier zero, and all of these special categories, that shoe was the grail. I don’t know if someone maybe mentioned it to me but in my head, and imagination, and fascination this shoe started and was only available in Japan. Maybe in some little hidden box store, made up of glass, that only sold one shoe, and it was a specific color woven. In my mind, that was how it all started.
Realistically, Bape, Nigo, and personally being able to go to LA and see that connection thru the lens of that relationship with Pharrell that’s always such a warm feeling for me in context of Japanese culture. To this day, that was the only time I’ve ever been to Japan and to have experienced it in that way will always be super special to me. I really would like to take my daughter there soon to experience the energy and culture of Japan because her and her mom would be so psyched on it.
The Visvim Hanami
By Chris Gibbs
@chrisunionIn Japan one of their biggest celebrations is around cherry blossom season. Once a year the whole country kind of goes crazy for a couple weeks in order to celebrate the cherry blossom season. Rich, poor, young old all come together and congregate where every there is a dense population of cherry blossom trees. They often have these parties at public parks (where the trees are) called Hanamis (translated to “flower watching party”). Friends usually meet in the park at night and bring food, games and a ton of alcohol and just drink and be merry and have…and get drunk. I had the good fortune of being invited to a Hanami one year that was the Visvim staff Hanami. Hiroki laid these huge Persian rugs out in the park and ordered catering from one of his favorite sushi chef’s, this guy who specializes in making Edo period Sushi (a story for another time). We ate and drank and had one of my best nights out ever. There are Hanami games that you play that are reminiscent to camp fire games that we would play here in the west. I was told that the games origins came from games that Samurai would play to pass the boredom when they were waiting on a fight.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/Excursions_Infographics-Update_Japan-EN-1-1200x801.png)
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/Excursions_Infographics-Update_Japan-EN-2-1-1200x801.png)
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Food and Inspiration
@natsuko.eteIs there a location that you think truly sums up Tokyo and Tokyo culture?
(my restaurant) and 2G Tokyo.
été: You hear the words ‘art and food’ a lot, but this is a place where you can truly experience them.
2G Tokyo: Within a short space of time, the best and coolest artworks are brought together and then replaced without a moment’s hesitation. If you miss it, you might be left behind. Tokyo is a place that makes you feel that way.
Where do you go now for inspiration or to see something unique and new?
When I’m searching for inspiration, I work and work until I feel like my head is going to explode . Then all of a sudden an idea will come to me. I’ll also go to Kyoto to meet the city’s artisans and experience firsthand their historical techniques that have lasted for hundreds of years.
Where were you when you realized you wanted to do what you’re currently doing?
When I was in junior high, I made cream puffs in home economics class and was so impressed that I began making them at home and giving them out to friends. A friend who ate one of my cream puffs told me I should become a cream puff maker, and that’s how I got my start.
Check out some of Natsuko’s favorite items and places below.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/1-2-900x900.png)
Nike Air Jordan III Fragment
When I was a guest on Hiroshi Fujiwara’s radio show, he was wearing a pair of the Air Jordan III Fragment sneakers and I instantly fell in love. It was their simple design and monotone colors that caught my attention.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/2-3-900x900.png)
Daniel Arsham Cracked Bear
This is Daniel Arsham’s masterpiece ‘Cracked Bear’, which was purchased from StockX in 2020. Arsham himself recommended smashing this bear and customizing it, however it regretfully remains un-cracked.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/3-3-900x900.png)
Daniel Arsham x Pokémon x 2G Pikachu Keyring
This keyring was a birthday present I received from Poggy. The item was for sale at the Daniel Arsham and Pokémon exhibition ‘Relics of Kanto Through Time’ that took place at 2G.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/4-3-900x900.png)
Daniel Arsham x Pokémon Crystalised Pikachu
I like things that I can identify in three seconds without explantation. My Daniel Arsham x Pokémon sculptures are on display in the garden at été. This one I purchased from StockX.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/5-2-900x900.png)
Christofle x Karl Lagerfeld MOOD BLACK
One of 500 limited edition cutlery boxes sold worldwide in 2018. I am very much influenced by fashion, and this cutlery set is used at été so that customers can feel this influence for themselves.
![Sho_DSC8266 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/Sho_DSC8266-1-1200x800.jpg)
été
I am very much inspired by fashion and art so I sprinkle these elements around the restaurant so that customers can also get a sense of it. In the past, I have collaborated with Takashi Murakami, the fashion designer TOMO KOIZUMI and flower artist Makoto Azuma. When I was doing a lot of work with fashion brands, I was deeply impressed by the creations and work ethic of one particular person, since then, I have worked closely with them to design the garden space. If Daniel Arsham comes to eat at my restaurant some day, I would love to collaborate with him and make a variation of our cake; a ‘Year 3020 Crystallized Arsham cake.’
3 Chome−23−1, Nishihara, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0066, Japan
![Sho_06A1339 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/Sho_06A1339-1-1200x800.jpg)
52
The gyoza dumplings here are really delicious. I was taken here by the chef of the restaurant where I originally trained. It is run by two men, both of whom are very casual and unassuming. The food is delicious no matter what you eat, and it’s open until midnight, so it’s an oasis for a chef who has just finished work. A chef’s brain is most relaxed when they’ve finished working, so to be able to eat delicious food at this time makes me truly happy. At 52, the dumplings are good because they are prepared one by one and fried once an order is placed. I also recommend the dried shrimp and bean sprouts stir fry; it’s simple but delicious. When I go with friends, even if its just the two of us, I end up ordering 70% of the menu and eat it all (lol).
4-chōme-6 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
![Sho_06A1321 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/Sho_06A1321-1-1200x800.jpg)
Tosenkaku
This restaurant just opened last month in Roppongi (*September 10th 2020). The owner of the restaurant is the same owner of the famous Chinese restaurant, Sazenka, which has a Michelin star and is one of the best 50 restaurants in Asia. Tosenkaku is the more casual, relaxed sister establishment. At this time of year (November) you can also eat Shanghai crab. Of course, this place is also very popular among chefs and is frequented by the some of the top restaurateurs in Japan. As there are many private rooms its a good place for entertaining important guests, so I sometimes come here to eat with my clients.
4 Chome−8−7 , Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/Natsu中国飯店_-北京ダック-1-600x900.jpg)
Chugoku Handen Roppongi
The Peking duck I order from here late at night is really great and delicious. The fried rice and mapo tofu are also fantastic. Chugoku Handen is also a haven for chefs and its a blessing to be able to eat such high quality food late at night. I love Chinese cuisine, so a chef friend of mine introduced me to Chugoku Handen. When chefs meet up with other chefs, we often exchange information about late-night meals. I really appreciate the fact that the restaurants that chefs go to when they’re tired after a long day at work are places where anyone can go for a good meal. Even late at night, the clientele is always relaxed so its an easy decision.
1 Chome−1−5, Oriental Blg., 1F, Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031, Japan
Tokyo Then and Now
By Kishi
@nobukazu_kishiiiIs there a place that you think truly sums up Tokyo and Tokyo culture?
A place like Komazawa’s ‘Bowery Kitchen’ 20 years ago. At that time, I had the impression that Tokyo’s entire creative scene would hang out there. Even now, when I dropped by at midnight on New Years Day, I ran into Sk8thing (C.E. designer) and Hajime Tachibana (Plastics band member/graphic designer), as well as Suzuki-san, former chief editor of Honeycomb web-magazine. Or a reception party hosted by a gallery or brand. The Friday night reception parties held in the Harajuku and Shibuya areas are filled with creatives and young people.
The Nike “WHITE DUNK” exhibition held in Minami Aoyama in 2004 was a historical moment where all of Tokyo’s street culture congregated. The “STUSSY NIGHT” held at Shibaura Gold in 1990 may have been an important moment in a different way, but for us, the “STUSSY WORLD TRIBE” events held in 2000 and 2005 were the real deal.
Where were you when you realized you wanted to do what you’re currently doing?
At the editorial department of Shodensha’s “Boon” in Jimbocho, Tokyo in 1993. From the spring of my third year at university, I learnt life lessons by spending my time in the editorial department, and I stayed there even after graduation. I was a rookie writer surrounded by quirky editors that a young man of 20 or so had never met before in his life. It was the November 1993 issue, the “Nike Air Special”, that was the catalyst that deeply connected me to sneaker culture. I was captivated by the joy of propagating maniacal values.
Sneakers are a medium that can be fused with various cultures such as music, fashion and art, and their expression itself is constantly undergoing innovation. While the cycle of information is fast and ephemeral, it is interesting to note that it also has traditional values.
Sneakers are generally recognized as the most comfortable footwear for daily life, but for sneakerheads, they enrich our quality of life, and it’s a daily battle to confront the unscrupulous who only want sneakers for profit.
Check out some of Kishi’s favorite items and places below.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/10-900x900.png)
Boon / Boon EXTRA (1990’s)
Boon Magazine, which debuted in July 1993 with Bobby Brown on the front cover, was a staple publication of the magazine industry for a long time. It was was also an important part of my youth. In its second year, Boon appointed a sneaker specialist, and from the mid 1990’s they were at the forefront of the sneaker boom. In addition to the magazine, Boon compiled a huge archive of Air Max material into a separate volume called Boon EXTRA, creating a valuable source of information for future generations. Its interesting to read the articles from the time and see how the sneaker boom in the late 90’s came to an end and how the culture of ‘Ura-Harajuku’ took over, gradually spreading to the rest of the world. The photo shows the cover of Boon EXTRA ‘Air Max Total Conquest 351’ from November 1993 to February 1997.
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Nike Dunk High Pro SB FPAR (2019)
These FORTY PERCENT AGAINST RIGHTS bespoke Dunk SBs feature mesh sides from the Air Jordan 5 and tongue from the Air Jordan 6 transplanted onto it. A jet-black tonal color high-top with an FPAR logo patch and slogan engraved overlay. My own pair are a custom version with the lace cover removed to expose the lacing.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/2-1-900x900.png)
Nike SB Air Trainer 1 ISO (2020) & Nike Air Trainer 3 (2019)
In 1987, when Nike revolutionized the Air Max, it changed the game completely. The versatile creation fits into the cross-training category; ideal for running, working out in the gym and court sports. The Air Trainer 1 was the first model to be introduced. The next was the Air Trainer 3, released in 1989, which was nicknamed the Medicine Ball. Both are the work of era-defining, legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield, and its around this time that my personal favorite Nikes were produced. The Nike Air Trainer 3 was reissued last year, whilst the Nike SB Air Trainer 1 was released with a a suede upper and sockliner update.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/3-1-900x900.png)
Nike Dunk Book (2008)
The Nike Dunk Book, which was started with the support of Nike Japan, was an elusive project that for various reasons lay frozen in production until it was finally released in 2008. This first-rate resource for Dunk related material is composed of two volumes; ‘The Fact File’ which traces the history of Dunk in era-defining fashion and ‘The Archives’, which brings together past history with images and data. The image shows a bound prototype manuscript that was test-printed before proofreading. Incidentally, the produced version was originally going to be published in a package of seven colors, just like the original Dunk.
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White Dunk Novelty (2004)
Novelty goods were distributed to close personnel of ‘White Dunk’; one of the largest exhibitions in the history of Nike Japan. This is a USB memory stick (1GB!) in the shape of the Nike Dunk sculpture from the exhibition. It comes with PDF data of the manga created on the theme of Dunks. It also came with luxurious packaging in a black vanity case. Not for sale, of course.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/5-1-900x900.png)
Nike Dunk Low Pro SB Tokyo (2004)
This is the Tokyo version from the Dunk Low Pro city series. The use of unbleached canvas for the upper represents the flexible nature of Tokyo – with its ability to absorb and evolve with any culture it therefore has the potential to be dyed any color. With 200 pairs produced, it is a little inferior in terms of rarity compared to Paris and London, however the market value even after 16 years is at an antique premium.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/6-1-900x900.png)
Nike Dunk Low Pro B Viotech Tokyo City Attack (2001)
The Dunk Low Pro B was released exclusively in Japan after the Ura-Dunk. The early model, designed specifically for skateboarding, had a suede upper and thick tongue, but after the late model Viotech, the thick tongue design was postponed and was instead assigned to the Nike SB. Dunks in crazy colors were super popular at the time, and their overwhelming presence has never faded. The reissue that was released last year sold out in the blink of an eye.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/7-1-900x900.png)
Mark Gonzales Priest (2000)
This plaster statue of a priest by skater and artist, Mark Gonzales, was purchased by my girlfriend at the time when she visited his solo show in London in the early 00’s. She saw the word ‘NIKE’ spelled out on his face and bought it immediately. Each piece is a hand-finished unique piece; with no two works the same, this Nike mask version is a valuable heirloom.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/8-1-900x900.png)
Nike Dunk Low Tokyo City Attack (1999)
After the 1999 reissue which delighted Dunk fans, this so called ‘Ura-Dunk’ was released the following year exclusively in Japan. The collection consisted of a total of 9 pairs of 18 models, each with an inverted two-tone color scheme derived from school colors. Like the sneakers in the image, the collection included sneakers with contrasting navy/yellow and yellow/navy colorways, as well as a purple/black version that was created following the advice of Fujiwara Hiroshi who suggested juxtaposing purple and black despite their very slight difference in color. This was a premium limited edition sneaker designed for the Japanese market due to the overwhelming popularity of the Dunk.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/9-900x900.png)
Vintage Nike / Mead Student Day Planner (1995)
At my parent’s house, I unearthed a load of Nike goods that I had purchased as souvenirs between 1995 and 1997 when I would go to the United States to meet with the Nike team. This Nike Original personal organizer, which was was made specially by Mead, has a 90’s style nylon cover and swooshes. The classic souvenir goods that were sold in every Nike Town at the time are now extremely valuable items. Vintage items truly are the greatest.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/06A2537-1-1200x800.jpg)
SKIT
If any of my sneaker-loving friends visit Tokyo, the first place I take them is SKIT in Kichijoji. The display is a sight to behold; filled with dead stock from the past decade including rare models that sell for super-premiums. They also have one of the best selections of Air Jordans in Tokyo, and their collection of retro series sneakers is unparalleled. From display- only originals to unreleased samples, the enviable selection is much coveted by sneaker fans. SKIT is a Mecca for sneakerheads; a place where you can enjoy everything from the most recent drops to archival models. For me, it is the only shop that was and still is indispensable for the production of sneaker features.
1 Chome−18−1 D-ASSET吉祥寺 1F, Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0003, Japan
![_06A1270 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/06A1270-1-1200x800.jpg)
mita sneakers
mita sneakers is a long-established sneaker shop based in Ueno’s Ameyoko, the gateway to Tokyo’s East Side, and it covers a wide range of products by various sports manufacturers, from in-line to limited edition. Creative director Hideyuki Kunii, who has been involved in the development of numerous sneakers, is one of the most trusted people on the scene. He is actively involved in everything, from special orders based on unique concepts such as ‘Learning from the Past’ and ‘All of Natures Creations,’ to triple collaborations with fashion brands and boutiques. On reading an article published within Nike headquarters about how Kunii commercialized a prototype of the Air Max 95, I resonated with the kindred spirit of a fellow fanatic.
4 Chome-7-8, Uenoo, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
![_DSC8842 (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/DSC8842-1-1200x800.jpg)
magnif
I spent much of my adolescent years around Jimbocho in Kanda. It’s also where Boon, the street fashion magazine that led the sneaker boom in the mid-90’s, had its editorial office. In the old bookstore district you’ll find magnif, an interesting place that deals mainly in back issues of Japanese and international magazines in a wide range of genres such as fashion, art and design. If you’re looking for something specific, like POPEYE from the 70s or Boon from the late 90s, this is the place to go. It’s also a great starting point for strolling through the old bookstore district.
1 Chome−17, Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan
![0](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/0-1148x900.jpg)
WHITE DUNK Exhibition (former site)
Back in 2002, Nike Skateboarding took the skate market by storm with the release of the Dunk SB. If theres one thing that brings back vivid memories from this exciting time, then it’s the iconic WHITE DUNK exhibition. In late fall of 2004, a huge shoe box appeared out of nowhere in Minami Aoyama, and it blew the minds of sneakerheads to a whole new level. It was in this space that a series of Dunk related works by Japanese and International artists was exhibited. Now visiting the same location, at the crossroads of Omotesando and Aoyama Miyuki-dori, there is no longer any trace of the frenzy that once took place there. Incidentally, the elusive ‘NIKE DUNK BOOK’, was published much later after the exhibition.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/DSC8865-1-1200x800.jpg)
atmos
The atmos group is one of Japan’s leading chain of sneaker shops with a total of 13 men’s and women’s stores in the Shibuya and Harajuku areas alone. Riding the wave of the late 90’s sneaker boom, the company has risen to the top and has made remarkable progress to be where it is today. Since then, they have gained a reputation for their exceptional business sense, and with the publication of the quarterly catalogue ‘atmos mag’ and the launch of the sneaker festival ‘atmos con’, the trends they create are impossible to avoid. Since their establishment I have personally kept myself at a moderate distance, recently however, I have been paying attention to the international activities of their director, Tomofumi Kojima.
3 Chome-22-8 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
The Art of Tokyo
By Satoru Arai
@satoruaraiBeing able to experience an artist’s energy when they are creating their works makes Tokyo special. In the past few years, the art industry in Japan has been growing, and artists with close ties to the culture are getting more and more attention. Expect more excitement from here on out.
We asked curator Satoru Arai to pick some of his favorite items that speak to Tokyo’s art and sneaker scenes. Check them out below.
![arai3_kidult (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/arai3_kidult-1-1200x800.jpg)
KIDULT Object
This is an edition work by graffiti writer KIDULT from a secret art show that took place at BA-TSU ART GALLERY. On the day of the show, plainclothes policemen made a surprise visit and there was no shortage of talk about the artist.
![arai1_tide (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/arai1_tide-1-1-1200x800.jpg)
TIDE Flower Vase
This is an artwork by TIDE that was exhibited at gallery COMMON. The ceramic work was created in collaboration with Maruhiro, the Hasami-yaki ceramic brand based in Nagasaki. With an opening in the back, the artwork is designed to function as a vase and can be used to arrange flowers.
![arai2_futura (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/arai2_futura-1-1200x800.jpg)
FUTURA Figure
A FUTURA sculpture that was featured in an exhibition at The Mass. The iconic FUTURA character was cast in bronze by Japanese craftsmen, and this is one of the two variations sold in black and white.
![arai4_stussy nike (1)](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/arai4_stussy-nike-1-1200x800.jpg)
STUSSY x NIKE Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Fossil
These STUSSY x NIKE collaboration sneakers were released this year and the design is based on the original Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2. I was lucky enough to be given a pair as a gift by STUSSY director, Shin Okishima, with whom we have a close working relationship.
![](https://images-wp.stockx.com/excursions/uploads/2020/08/arai5_nike-slamjam-1-1200x800.jpg)
Slam Jam x NIKE BLAZER CLASS 1977
These are a pair of collaboration sneakers between NIKE and the Italian boutique Slam Jam. They have a simple design but with a fun gimmick; an upside down swoosh on the inside.