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OPENERS | Onitsuka Tiger Spring/Summer 2009 Special Feature

Fashion

July 28, 2015

OPENERS | Onitsuka Tiger Spring/Summer 2009 Special Feature

New Shoes for Japanese People, by Japanese People

Born in Kobe in 1949, the year before the Korean War broke out and when resources were scarce, "Onitsuka Tiger" took its first breath.
Shoes with a stripe design that are nostalgic for those over 40 and new to those under 30.
There are charming anecdotes about the late Kihachiro Onitsuka, the founder and innovator, such as conceiving the suction cup sole for basketball shoes from a vinegared octopus dish at dinner, or creating the block sole inspired by the sound of a taxi's brakes.
As a pioneer of Japanese sports shoes, we will thoroughly introduce the trajectory and present of Onitsuka Tiger, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2009.

Photo by Jamandfix

Flipping through "The Story of Onitsuka Tiger," published by Pie Books in 2005, one is impressed by the founder Kihachiro Onitsuka's ingenuity, conviction, and challenging spirit, and imagines the athletes who challenged records wearing the shoes he created.

For example, the "Magic Runner," released in 1969, boldly incorporated holes in the shoes to dissipate the impact heat generated during running, and was favored by various runners for about 20 years. Furthermore, the "CORSAIR," born in 1978, was sold only in the United States and later became the basis for the development of jogging shoes. Introducing Onitsuka Tiger's masterpieces, chronicled with valuable archival photographs.

"MEXICO 66 DELUXE," born as a NIPPON MADE version of the "MEXICO 66," the representative sneaker of current Onitsuka Tiger.
Focusing on craftsmanship, each pair is individually washed by Japanese artisans, creating a unique, worn-in look with textures and wrinkles that cannot be achieved by machine production, offering a fresh, vintage feel.

For instance, the originality seen in the "KEIRIN NIPPON" model and its exquisite texture that suggests comfortable wear.
The "NIPPON MADE" series, created by Japanese artisans, respects the details of Onitsuka Tiger's heritage as sports shoes, while using tanned leather for a vintage look.
Expressing a beautiful appearance that matches edgy coordinates.