The relationship between Onitsuka Tiger and pop culture is as inseparable as Zendaya and Tom Holland. Since its establishment, the Japanese fashion label has been intertwined with pop culture, permeating the cultural landscape with its iconic Onitsuka Tiger-stripe sneakers. Case in point? Hong Kong martial arts legend Bruce Lee was rumoured to have worn the Mexico 66 trainers in one of his most memorable films, Game of Death. The film has held a special place in the hearts of film buffs, especially Quentin Tarantino, who paid tribute to it with a scene of Uma Thurman emulating Bruce Lee’s signature look in Kill Bill: Volume 1.
To this day, Onitsuka Tiger’s close-knit relationship with pop culture shows no sign of waning. In recent years, the Japanese fashion label has partnered with some of Japan’s most famous pop culture icons. One such collaboration is with Astro Boy. In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the Andrea Pompilio-helmed label collaborated with the pioneering anime series, which set the benchmark for anime as the first animated series to air on Japanese television. Featuring the original Astro Boy logo and designs, the 2024 collaboration yielded a total of 43 new items, including the Dentigre Puff Boot and Mexico 66 SD sneakers.
Now, the Onitsuka Tiger x Astro Boy story continues with another collaboration, breathing new life into the already coveted partnership. Where heritage marries innovation, fashion collides with sports, the second instalment introduces new graphics, swapping the iconic red boots of the little humanoid for Tiger Yellow boots. Laced with signature red and grey accents and featuring Astro in a cheer jump, the Onitsuka Tiger x Astro Boy 2.0 not only boasts timeless designs, but also distressing detailing that sets it apart from the first collaboration.
Discover more about it here. Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our December/January 2025 issue.