This summer I had the pleasure and the honour to travel to Onitsuka Tiger’s hometown of Kobe and interview five of the men responsible for the founding of the brand and its early growth. From the birth of some of our most iconic products to the design of the logo script, I got to hear so many first hand stories about where Onitsuka Tiger comes from, which will hopefully play a big part in where we’re going.
Please take some time to view the first episode of the series we worked on in Kobe, “Roots,” which explores the connection between Onitsuka Tiger and Kobe.
Thanks also go out to Ian Lynam, the team at AQ, Toshiki Senuoe and the ASICS team at Headquarters for helping this come together.
The latest story from our Made Of Japan initiative: Many Steps by Takayuki Akachi.
We asked Akachi-san to travel around the world and show us the many ways that steps, metaphorical and literal, unite us in a single, human experience. Akachi-san and his Mexicos went on several adventures that you can check out on his blog. The result of his worldwide journey was the film we’re proud to present you with today. “Many Steps” shows Akachi-san’s journey from beginning to end, in his unique “lone backpacker” style of film that features rhythmically edited visuals that show how humanity as a whole is united, not separated by our differences.
Without getting too meta, this was really a labour of love and a piece of work I’m extremely proud of, hopefully the passion and adventurousness of all involved shines through in the final product. Thanks again to Takayuki Akachi and his assistant Akiko in making this happen.
This year Onitsuka Tiger is going to be working with a group of talented and creative people all joined by their love of Japan. One of the ones I’m most excited about is Takayuki Akachi, the talented filmmaker behind the popular “Traveling Denim” piece that received so much attention last year. Akachi-san is currently traveling on a 50-city tour with his wonderful assistant Akiko to create a film around our iconic Mexico 66.
You can follow Akachi-san’s trip on his blog here or on twitter.
We did it again, I’ll admit I wasn’t very involved in this one so all props to my brethren Dr. Woo at Lex Lewter for putting together a masterpiece.
LightUp Film
INFLUENCERS is a short documentary that explores what it means to be an influencer and how trends/ideas become contagious today in music and fashion.
Directed by Paul Rojanathara and Davis Johnson, the film is a Polaroid snapshot of New York influential creatives (advertising, design, fashion and entertainment) who are shaping today’s pop culture.
