Movement You Can Feel: sabukaru & ASICS introduce Rajio Taiso
ASICS [@asics_sportstyle] has cemented itself as one of the pinnacle performance footwear brands in today’s fashion landscape. As masters of their craft, they have ushered in a new era of sportswear—one that seamlessly blends performance with contemporary fashion.
Through collaborations with visionaries like Kiko Kostadinov, Cecilie Bahnsen, GmbH, and C.P Company ASICS continues to push boundaries while staying true to its singular mission: creating footwear that keeps you moving.
It is upon this foundation that their latest release, the ASICS GEL-KINETIC™ FLUENT, is built. A shoe that effortlessly balances performance and lifestyle, it draws inspiration from ASICS’ deep Japanese roots by embracing a historic form of calisthenics—Rajio Taiso.
Introduced to Japan in 1928, this simple yet powerful practice encourages movement anytime, anywhere, to reinvigorate the body and refresh the mind.
Perfectly aligning with ASICS’ messaging—“move your body to move your mind”—Rajio Taiso becomes the heartbeat of their latest campaign, celebrating the launch of this innovative model. Whether you're in a parking lot, at the playground, stuck in the office, or on a long shift, just a few moments of Rajio Taiso can uplift your spirits, boost confidence, and energize your day.
Young or old, active or laid-back, ASICS reminds us that movement is for everyone—because a Sound Body leads to a Sound Mind.
With such a beautifully nostalgic concept as its muse, we had the privilege of bringing this vision to life through three protagonists: a taxi driver winding down after a grueling shift, a schoolchild bearing the weight of their day, and an office worker escaping the monotony of routine.
Working alongside the incredible director Toshiki Yashiro [@toshki], we set out to capture a candid, honest portrayal of how even the simplest movements can create profound change—how stretching your muscles, feeling the extension in your body, and breaking a light sweat can slowly dissolve the stress of daily life. This wasn’t about discovering something new, but rather rediscovering what was always there.
“When you recall a memory from childhood, you might remember how the sun felt on your shoulders or how the grass smelled different than it does now. There’s a certain simplicity to those moments that lingers.
Add to that the fact that Rajio Taiso feels unfamiliar to those outside Japan—I wanted to explore how these group exercises might trigger a memory never fully shared, a quiet nostalgia.
We shot on film to lean into that sentiment. Film slows everything down, allowing romance to be found in the mundane.”
— Toshki
The GEL-KINETIC™ FLUENT embodies this same nostalgia—a blend of familiarity and excitement, a balance of heritage and innovation. Engineered with performance-driven technology and refined contemporary aesthetics, this shoe is designed to boost confidence in every step, deliver unparalleled comfort, and complement the dynamic lifestyle of the modern urban explorer.
