Why Regal is Trusted Worldwide, Vol. 2 | REGAL

REGAL | Regal

A Masterpiece Sneaker That Changed Japan's Footwear Scene, Remodeled

The sneakers Regal released 40 years ago sparked a nationwide craze. The legacy of this masterpiece lies not only in its light, comfortable feel but also in teaching us the cool style unique to sneakers. With the current sneaker boom in full swing, let's re-examine that coolness.

Photographs by Tetsumi Hachiya (FOREST)Text by Yasuhiro TakeishiEdit by ITO Yuji (OPENERS)

Sneakers Became Mainstream with American Casual

For the past few years, the fashion scene has seen a global sneaker boom, the likes of which haven't been seen in a while. Japan has experienced numerous sneaker booms before. The fervor from about 20 years ago, when the scramble for popular models even became a social issue, is still fresh in our memories. But, going back another 20 years or so, do you know of a pair of sneakers that created an even greater boom and had a significant impact on Japanese sneakers, and by extension, casual fashion? That would be the "Tennis" sneakers released by Regal in 1976.

The history of sneakers in Japan began shortly after the war, but they were strictly considered "rubber-soled athletic shoes." The uppers were made of canvas, and they were affectionately called "zook" (a corruption of the Dutch word for cloth, "doek"), but they were almost exclusively worn during sports. The turning point came with the explosive popularity of American casual fashion that began in the mid-1970s.

The healthy West Coast style, particularly incorporating sportswear, was enthusiastically embraced by young people. Regal, sensing this trend early on, first released models like the mid-cut "Hockey" in 1975, using the term "sneaker" rather than "zook." The following year, they introduced the low-cut "Tennis," igniting an unprecedented sneaker boom. Despite not being cheap at 3,600 yen at the time, the model recorded astonishing sales, and countless counterfeit versions flooded the country.

Regal Established Its Position as Fashion

The key to its great success was likely its catchy, fashion-conscious design, which set it apart from previous athletic shoes, such as the "R" logo of the brand. In other words, it's no exaggeration to say that Regal's "Tennis" sneakers popularized wearing sneakers as fashion in the city, introducing their lightness, enjoyment, and sporty coolness to Japan.

This legendary masterpiece, "Tennis," has been modernized and remodeled this year as the "61JR" to celebrate Regal's 40th anniversary of sneaker production. While retaining the basic design, it now features a sharper last than the original and a newly adopted special cup insole with excellent cushioning. It offers a modern and smart impression while retaining a sense of nostalgia, and the comfort has been significantly improved. Its minimalist design, reminiscent of the origins of sneakers, matches contemporary fashion styles that value essential simplicity and reject ostentation. It reminds us anew of the exhilaration of walking the streets in cool sneakers. [AD]