Tokyo's Most Sought After Sneakers I Sole Origins
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- čas přidán 29. 10. 2018
- Sneaker writer Russ Bengtson hits the streets of Tokyo in search of the city's most sought after sneakers and explores Japanese sneaker culture, while Atmos founder Hommyo Hidefumi, and basketball expert Yoichuro Kitadate and break down Japan's love for the Nike Air Max and the Air Jordan.
Sole Origins is Complex's newest docu-series that will uncover the untold stories of the most elusive sneakers from NYC, Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles. Interviews with Joe La Puma, Clark Kent, Ugly Mely, Hirofumi Kojima and Eric Koston.
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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop. - Zábava
I remember in the mid 90’s seeing a group of Japanese “hipsters” (before that was a coined term) at a thrift store in San Bernardino, CA buying used 501 Levi’s and used Nike sneakers. One introduced himself “Yoshi” offered me $200 to show him all my spots. I was picking for 40-50’s Rockabilly style clothing & vinyl at that time. They were looking for anything Americana, including vintage Bands T-shirts which now are very popular. Those cats have been at it for years and are way ahead of the curve.
Even with the kpop movement thing happening now many don’t realize that Korea is just copying what Japan was doing 20 years ago, all the crazy hair colors these kpop stars have have been a part of anime since the 80s.
Japan's sneaker culture, vinyl culture, garment culture; Hip Hop culture in general is well preserved. They respect the art thoroughly. Need to go soon! 平和
facts, if I look back at my own artistic inspiration, Japanese artistic curation inspired me instantly
Facts.
Thanks! peace🤞✨
Back in 80s we had LOtto sneakers. Looked a lot like them
Yes and lets not say Japanese culture when much of was influenced by urban city African-Americans don't write us out again.Like anything if inspired by us they(Japan) and others may have had the wherewithal or it became important to them so much they went to the extreme.Nothing wrong with that but it got better and variety is better and we all can respect that.
“They break bus stops just because it’s a Tuesday.”
Immediate like.
Thats funny but so true. Americans as well as european punks are the same
@@temujinkhan6326 It's only 1 group that commits crime for the fuck of it.
@@ThunderDomeBoxingTalk that's the most ignorant fucking statement
@@pastense Lmao but its the truth. Ignorant or not, can't beat facts.
Frietuur are u talkin bout the original comment? Or what ThunderDomeBoxingTalk said?
18:27 "what originally wasn't based on capitalism, what originally was based on style and personal choice and history, I don't know, I think we might have lost some of that unfortunately."
Biggest understatement of the year.
Morty it’s sad
@@victormurillo6956 It's also super ironic. The hasn't been an existential movement since the 60's - and while we grow more egotistical, our culture is being appropriated and resold to us, while we work our asses of just to help secure resources, while the world turns to shit and we, and blame trump for everything. Like the whole point of individuality was about catering to and believe in yourself, versus status and selling out like "modern sneakerheads".
@@benjaminhollenbeck7506 It's interesting that you call back to the 60's, because I've recently been thinking quite a lot about how things have never been so egoistic as they are today. Even though it was bad in the 80's as well, there is a disgusting lack of introspection or self actualization with a focus on good wholesome personal development in people today.
@@leoisforevercool Agreed. I think a vast majority of people are solely concerned about what they want, and their feelings, but don't think about where they fit into the big picture, consider how they treat others, until life is slowing down/things start dying. I feel like the free love movement in the 60 (I was born in the 80's) was rebelling against the notions of capitalism, separation, and prioritizing the ego, but these days, it seems people are fine selling each other out, and hoping that money and time will take care of the rest. - We fail to see how we are connected, and how we can help each other without playing into the games, or hurting each other just to save face.
@@benjaminhollenbeck7506 It's frightening that we morally regressed as a society in favor of capitalism, and I completely agree with your insights. Sometimes I feel like we're close to running out of gas, or maybe we're already just running on fumes, considering we had these ideals and threw them away for shiny things that literally anyone with a bit of insight will tell you won't make you happier.
"Japanese are the best at preserving culture" Well said
Zero Sternritter Thanks🙇♂️
Zero Sternritter it’s true.
Yes Clark Kent and theres many reasons for that.
Tom Foolery 🤣 They haven’t been touched yet
@Tom Foolery they have the craziest porn culture I have ever witnessed.
Did my man just rip the paper at 5:30 Im so weak
Bruh, I was thinking the same thing!
That gave me cold sweats!!
Roman Fischer y? It's only paper
He’s wilding
Plus the way he's creasing the toe on those Supremes at the same time??? Wtf is wrong with him?
This episode was insanely well-made.
Evgeni Asenov debatable
Yeah, if you understand Japanese or can read gibberish!!! SMH!!!
I see what you did there
@@willyamezquita4404 the subtitles have good English. Don't get what you're complaining about.
Man, the last part is so touching! Got hit by the message while realizing the last time I went to actual stores, tried on some pairs and had good convo with the store attendants was like 3 years ago! The convenience of online shopping indeed took away all those valuable experiences and the opportunity to interact with people who may share us interesting stories. Thank you, Complex for this great video!
18:16 this is so true. And it's so sad. It's all about hype and prices. Not about story or preference. It's not about developing your own since of style anymore it's just how do I fit in and what sneakers will do that. Which really saddens me.
Memes For kids and
yep, just jumpin on the trend wave, no personality at all nowadays, shopping zombies.
Yea, True, but there are still good sneakers being released.
@@Slayer-du5zn Sneakers used to be a form of self expression. And you develop your own style accordingly. Not anymore. My sneakers are mostly from Filling Pieces, Hugo Boss, Voile Blanche and of course several colour ways of the ultra boost which get no respect from friends who are "sneaker heads" who are really "Nike heads". I show up in my old and worn out Air Jordan ones, I'm the cool dude again. So yeah. It's sad.
9:35 girl was about ready to leave her mans after seeing those sneaks
I used to collaborate with Hommyo and Yo when I was designing for Reebok RDST in 2002-2003 in Daikyanyama. The culture there then was unlike anything in terms of attention to story and detail. Still is all these years later. Much respect.-Josh
"Their appreciation for what we think is important is outstanding, so they do it better."
It’s awesome seeing the passion you guys bring to the table showcasing exclusive areas & acknowledging the creators and origins of brands respect
Props to Complex for creating such cool content. Love these Sole Origins, keep em coming!
5:31 the host tearing the wax paper triggered me. Considering the message of the video was how amazing sneakers are preserved in Japan.
These videos are absolutely amazing! Can’t wait for future episodes! 🔥
thanks for this doc. So informative and well-made!
I don't know why I keep procrastinating on Japan!
bc most are xenophobic lmao not their fault, they basicaly just accepted foreigners to pull up but that's why
Lmao Collin love fake shoes me too
Japan's sneaker culture, vinyl culture, garment culture; Hip Hop culture in general is well preserved. They respect the art thoroughly. Need to go soon! 平和
Lol gonna have to wait a little longer hahshahaha
Collin have you been to Japan yet lmao
I would just like to give huge kudos to the team at Complex who came up with this great Docu-series. Especially this Tokyo series, it really brought me back to the reasons why I fell in love with the sneaker culture. Neil and Russ got their points across. Sneaker is an art, it is a way of expressing yourself. But in today's culture, it definitely is all about who got the most sought after sneakers and bragging it and showing it off on social media.
This episode has definitely pushed me even more to go to Japan. I've like their culture and want to learn more about being there. But seeing how deep their sneaker culture is too is like the cherry on top.
I find it weird to do a doc on Tokyo's sneaker culture and not even mention Onitsuka Tigers. I saw crazy Tigers when I was there, boutiques and stuff. They're part of the scene.
faunaflage Facts, i bought a pair this year. They’re truly iconic
I love asics too, they should've mentioned the og's
Facts, especially since the "forrest gump" shoe was based on an onitsuka tiger color way.
Resell Cartel not based on a colorway, it’s a copy of Onitsuka’s Corsair model
It’s an oversight. Also, no mention of Reebok Instapump Fury which remains a favorite there.
this series is amazing
The last 3 minutes of this documentary contain some of the realest talk ever .......Great work again Complex
That was amazingly cut and delivered, good job complex
Amazing episode! Japan really does have some of the most unique sneakers out there! Even today, i never know what i'll come across in my search over there! Much respect to Japan!
I have those barley 180s as well, really dope pair... nice episode and series!
Hey man i really like your content
Wow great documentary please keep them coming Complex 👍🏼👍🏼
I love this "Sole Origins" thing already! I hope they will upload another episode soon! Greetings from Mongolia
Best video I have watched on yet this year
Damn! This serie is incredible! I love it! Keep it up!
This makes me so grateful to be able to pick up a pair of my shoes and say ‘I know what this is, I know this shoe’s history’ it’s a knowledge and feeling of pride that no amount of money or ‘clout’ can ever give you.
Really loving this series
well done complex 👊🏼
This whole series is amazing!
Not just sneaker culture, but when it comes to clothing the Japanese have a powerful appreciation and reverence for vintage Americana. For example, workwear and footwear from the 40's and 50's. Iconic, legendary styles in denim, leather, cotton, silk and rayon. Vintage specimens are found, preserved and reproduced to exact historical specifications and standards using high quality denim, fabrics and leather with original designs and patterns. The denim is actually manufactured on vintage shuttle looms. I'm talking minute attention to historical detail. The results are superior in quality to the durable, long lasting originals. Plenty to check out. You'll need plenty of $$$ though!
Cause we did it right and now we are doing it wrong!
This series is amazing. Props to complex
Amazing Documentary
Thanks For Showing It😊❤
Forget sneakers... Japan's clothing game is INSANE.. so many dope shops. new and VINTAGE. and the vintage stuff is always in insane condition.. but not cheap :p
Yep! Just got back from Japan. Vintage shopping is crazy there. If you shop around you can find some hidden gems. 👺👍
korea's clothing game better
@@roro2k yo man im going to Tokyo for a week you got any recommendations i should check out
@@FullBody You misspelled clothing with surgery. Korean is really only into their own culture, lmao.
If you have money for it those shop aren't cheap to run.
I have three reasons to go to Japan now
1. Gundam!
2. Sneaker stores
3. Japanese car culture
Are you sure action videos aren't on the list?
this was a beautiful production. Thanks for taking the time to make such awesome content
This is why Japan is my inspiration. They appreciate everything to the very roots. I need to visit Japan. Added to my bucket list.
Dude went to Japan to buy some chucks 😂
😂😂😂😂
This is incredibly well made! Thank you :)
these episodes are so beautiful
And suddenly, Harajuku become my next place i must go
"sick bike" I wished they showed the bike tho lol
Google Neighborhood Store bike Harajuku Tokyo. It's indeed a sick bike.
Awesome Documentary. Nice to see inside all this. i hope there are coming more Video's about Japan's Culture.
man i love these videos. they give such an awesome insight into these things we would never know. Really great series i love Sole Origins.
Go to Japan, do it on credit if you have to. I promise you, it will change your life for the better. So many similarities to US society but the differences are what make you aware of the beauty. And don't be afraid to go alone and get lost, you may just find yourself.
Agreed.
Seeing them OG Jordan's made me think of a friend that used too get every pair of Jordan's and get one pair too wear and one pair too put away then his house got robbed like 3/4 times and all of them got stolen
Hands down my new favourite series!
I was in Tokyo in 2011 and lemme just say, the Air Force 1 game was STUPID STRONG. So much heat in Japan.
Japan looks so fire
Complex is the new 30For30.
Wow. Complex bought/did something worth watching and not skipping through.
kojima at 9:30 ... so humble, for such a great designer! wow
But if it’s dead stock og Jordan’s just midsole swap and rock some good quality ogs
Atmos always keep the fiyah stocked
One of the best sneaker documentaries a great series well done complex 💥💥💥💥💥💥
Such a well made video, brings so many memories...
As a sneakerhead, I went twice to Japan and bought lot of stuff with my sister there (lived 7 years there). It's still amazing to see rare stuff not be overhyped and overpriced. I found there a OG XI Concord from back in the days when they used to be made in Taiwan, close to DS, still wearable, for about 230$ in 2012. Could have instantly flip them for twice or three times the price on ebay but kept them. One of the many token with a nice story behind them from my Japanese trips.
Japan sneaker culture started in the late 70's with companies like onitsuka tiger that jumped on the fad of night jogging - popular in japan where the custom was to work all day and jog at night to impress your peers.
that is just fucking crazy
Japan sneaker culture it it’s finest 🔥🔥
japan is probably the best place for sneakers,the streets are so damn clean over there.
This didnt really show where it's at now... like nike and Jun Takahashi sneakers didnt even feature...
one of the best videos I've watched on CZcams
its beautiful how cultures like this can mix and find unity in appreciation for something like sneakers
"what originally wasn't based on capitalism, what originally was based on style and personal choice and history, I don't know, I think we might have lost some of that unfortunately."
The reason I started collecting sneakers was based on a design appreciation and aesthetic as well as wearing items that no one else had. When the original Jordan 6 was out in 1991 we still had 4's and 5's in great condition not to mention street balls and other models, while we bought some 6's maybe we didn't wear them right away and stashed them until wu tang fist came out, to us that was what it was about exclusivity and not looking like anyone else.Back then when someone was wearing certain garments and footwear you knew that they knew and friendships were born and bred.Before the internet came into play and "specialty shops" started popping up it was pure and unadulterated, something we will never see again as a "culture" and "society"I am just glad that my friends and I were apart of it and it was well documented.
11:00 solid voice crack
Love it! Keep them coming
please keep these coming
tokyo is the greatest city in the world! i went there before i moved to the states and i was surprised how behind the us is on their cities! Every city feels like a giant suburb with nothing unique about it!
Good luck finding a size 12 in Tokyo though......lol
But then us Japanese sneakerheads with big feets know exactly where to get em
andrew szydel I’ve found size 11 and 11.5 there easily.
If your logic is that Japanese have small feet, then there should be a bigger supply of bigger sizes because of it.
@@pastense Sorry bro doesn't work like that. If there's less demand, they distribute less. Exactly as what I see here.
pastense how does your brain work
Wow. This series is next level- true facts behind the so called ‘culture’
An extremely well made production. As a longtime vintage collector, this video strongly resonates with me. I absolutely loved the segment when Russ held the 180 Mids with his own commentary. I, too, own a DS OG pair in its silver box which also shows extensive midsole cracking, a true 90s statement piece and the epitome of Nike Force basketball. Additionally, I know Alex personally (fellow LA and westside native) and enjoyed listening to his words and perspective as well on the globalization of the sneaker culture and expansion of his label across the Pacific. Arguably the sneaker video of 2018. Looking forward to additional episodes in this series. #Bruzzus #UNDFTD #ogsupportgroup #sneakerpreservationsociety
Only real OG's know about the Nike co.jp releases!
And you ain't one of them!
i ain’t no og
before the bots and internet accessibility.. i once wanted co.jp dunks such as the city attacks. had to search the niketalk and bapetalks for someone to get it or use juno.
so i guess im old lol
@@dadasha get off my comment you broke pussy
Don't try and put yourself on a high horse. Instead, try and teach others. That's what's wrong with your logic. You try to exclude others to make yourself seem superior instead of just actually being so. Educate others, not belittle them. Nike co.jps are nice, but who fucking cares when you're being a douchebag about it.
5:23 Why he ripping up the paper in the box??
Tenshi Racing why do u care??
It’s paper. And it’s already ripped 🙄
Amazing documentary ❣️
No one else catch the guy ripping the tissue paper at 5:30 ?? -__-
the shoe's sole was rotted anyways - doesn't make much difference.
Wow, I am broke AF
Air max 1(and 90s premium / essential 2nd place for me) are so damn awesome and no one seems to mention or buy them in all these videos. I'm glad these guys showed some love :)
Man I love Japan. Been there twice and always drop by Tokyo. Their fashion is always up there.
I'm not a shoe collector I just have a lot of shoes more than others and I wear all my shoes that's why I say I'm not a shoe collector so all you shoe fanatics hey. that don't wear your shoes I hope the soles fall off from the glue getting too old collect that waste that Shmoney
brilliant narrative, loved it
They are master on taking things to a whole different level
"tokyo had a mirrored new york city vibe"
its a uni-racial, litter free, low crime rate, sanitary, strict work culture haven.
nyc is multiracial, balkanized, full of litter, with several high crime areas.
at the start of the video he even said nyc couldnt have vending machines everywhere because people would loot them.
the only way tokyo and nyc are alike is that theyre both cities.
You dug really deep to miss the entire point of that statement. It wasn’t that deep.
spoken like someone who's only seen the city through a screen
Facts
Big Mac Jack how is this not true I live here
1:16 that's a lie. They probably picked up the sneaker culture, but it DEFINITELY did not start here (I live in Japan). I was born and raised in Oregon (NE Portland and Beaverton), where the Nike/Jordan headquarters is. The sneaker culture out there when I was a kid (I'm an 80's baby), and I'm positive before my time, was and is still huge!
he said probably started.
Really awesome. Probably the best one yet.
The soundtrack was so beautiful
The Japanese just doing everything better. And just like Russ said before when you saw someone with a certain shoe you knew that person knew a thing or two. Now it’s all a bunch of lames that have money and try to be cool.
Heidenhaunting88 I'm a blackman living in San Francisco and as long as I'm dressed well with a good Attitude and keep my handsome good looks I have to fight off the Japanese girls when I'm around them. Why is that.
Heidenhaunting88 yeah shut the fuck up you listen to russ
Why should that bother anyone, it's their money, live your own life* and adore your own sneakers.
@@tachkazor96 live your own live?
Only idiots don’t get what I’m trying to say! It’s very clear. A wannabe will never match someone who is the real deal! Real over fake any day! Russ is a fucking OG! Respect!
I’m a sneaker head, and I have always had a fresh pair! No disrespect, but they listen to hip hop but it didn’t start there...they may have delivered it differently, but no way did they start it...Run DMC. , BREAK DANCING WITH THE PUMAS...PRO KEDS. Again this is not a dis, if you love sneakers, I love you! Urban be everywhere!
Im a sneaker head, and no disrespect, but it definitely didn't start in north america. Again this is not a dis, much love !
The Lebron no problem bro...keep a fresh pair!
I’m honestly surprised that they didn’t mention ASICs/Onitsuka Tiger as a big part of sneaker culture there especially since they’re homegrown brands.
It’s surprising because you would never know how many cool sneaker models ASICs actually sells until you step into a sneaker shop in Tokyo and peep the lineup! You definitely don’t see this side of them much in the US even as a sneakerhead since all we mainly get are the running shoes w/ the flashy ass patterns and the expensive collab models. Definitely a unique and big part of the sneaker game there!
Overall though easily the best and most well-executed episode! Props to Atmos!
A fool and his money soon part.
Exactly. I can see buying shoes that are comfy and go nice with an outfit, but just buying something that cost $2.50 to make and is marked up to 350, and then never wearing it goes beyond insane.
You do, you.
The Nike Cortez design is Japanese, it’s a copy of an Onitsuka Tiger model
This was AWESOME!!!
This is the best series you have ever had
When you think about it, its not actually "Japanese" shoes. They're just US-based shoes with a different color/look.
Nai Xo are you stupid?
The sneaker culture came from New York they made the hype beast culture so many hype beast brands but I'll give them props but don't get it twisted
Is Sole Origins Nike? The Japanese are designing the shoe combining styles Is what I heard
When the guy said Japan started sneaker culture, i was like nopeee. Black culture and Hip Hop started tbr popularity of the "sneaker culture"
I couldn't believe what I heard...Blacks in NYC started sneaker culture which started in the 80's...with Jordans sneaker dropping in 85...we Blacks always took sneaker seriously...with the newest style's
Yeah I agree lol that just felt a little too much, maybe reselling old sneakers but definitely not starting the sneaker culture. and I'm japanese so no bias.
Actually much early rap culture came from Japanese fashion
I love the mood of this video. Instead of choosing obvious trappy hip hop or Japanese inspired lo-fi beats, there is that smooth classical music which fits perfectly.
Complex on 🔥🔥 with the Sole Origins series
Sneaker culture didn't start in Japan lmao
Rather than disprove that sneaker culture didn't start there you could have told us where it started to counter that claim.
I work in a large high school. 3/10 boys, age 14-18 worship supreme and other similar brands.
If you’re aspiring to be “fashionable” by wearing supreme and other crap, you’re not. You look unoriginal and pubescent
nonce
Well I hope you challenge them on why they wear it and then hopefully that can open up dialogue to educate them on certain things so they become more informed.
Everyone has different taste...don't be so close minded... u hope you're not a professor or the principal lol
I mean most people don't "aspire to be fashionable" they just wear what they personally like who cares what clothing brands one likes it's their personal style
Mike A if the shirts didn’t say supreme you wouldn’t buy them. Resellers make a quick buck off idiots like you
Amazing... very emotive the end of the video!!! really make my day!
Great documentary on Sneaker Culture from those who came up in the culture and know the history.