You can trace the export of Japanese crafts all the way back to the 13th century – the same time period that dawned the age of the samurai – when the archipelagic island country was under governance by the Kamakura shogunate.
But the inception of Japanese crafts – or ‘Kogei’ – date back even further than that to the Stone Ages when these prehistoric practices were first mastered. These artisan techniques have been preserved and passed down by senseis to their students for generations through the traditional notion of shokunin kishitsu – ‘the craftsman’s spirit’ – which emphasises meticulousness and the lifelong pursuit of perfectionism.
This ideology bleeds down into every aspect of handiwork that leaves the country, particularly contemporary Japanese footwear that’s as firm a testament as any to the island nation’s diligent mentality.
Curation Models by Kiko Kostadinov Studio and ASICS
With the above in mind, it’s no surprise to hear that you’re in the safest of hands when it comes to footwear from ASICS, who have an entire arsenal of boundary crossing streetwear relevant designs.
Particularly the curation models by Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS in which the Bulgarian-British designer sources inspiration from the craft of mino ceramics – a 7th century trade native to the mountainous Tono region of Japan’s Gifu Prefecture that’s otherwise known as ‘Minoyaki’ – for his intricately colourised projects.
Mizuno
Now we can’t be talking about Japanese craftsmanship and not mention Osaka residents, Mizuno, who started their journey by selling Western sundries influenced by America’s golden age of baseball. These days they’re an innovative powerhouse who are constantly redefining sport & lifestyle norms.
Wave Prophecy LS
Take the Wave Prophecy LS line as a prime example. A perfect epitome of Japanese engineering that utilises ocean-inspired Wave technology throughout the springy, cutting-edge midsole design which backs up its futuristic aesthetic with state-of-the-art utilitarian apparatus.
Wave Mujin LS GORE-TEX
Another subtangent of the Wave genealogy, Mizuno’s Wave Mujin LS GORE-TEX is constructed from a jacquard upper and boasts an anti-elemental membrane, Smooth Ride cushioning support as well as a Vibram megagrip outsole with crocodile jaw-like contouring. The science behind this one is to be admired.
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