ClothingMaya SabrinaJune 21, 2024skate culture, skateboarding, youth culture, fashion

VANS Goes Wafu: sabukaru for VANS

ClothingMaya SabrinaJune 21, 2024skate culture, skateboarding, youth culture, fashion

The skate scene in Japan is one that is renowned for its tight-knit communities, killer style, and--not to be forgotten, Olympic medal-winning capabilities. Skate culture has taken over the streets of Tokyo as a core component within the youth scene, melting into numerous facets across the underground and mainstream. With Tokyo being known as a center for innovation and the blending of cultures, VANS Japan has done exactly that with its new line of tees.

VANS Japan [@vansjapan] has recently come out with a Japan Exclusive Tee series, encapsulating the essence of Japan through the intertwinement of skate culture. The illustrations reflect core motifs deeply rooted in Japanese culture with the iconic VANS checkered pattern.

Take your pick from a rikishi [sumo wrestler] styled in their traditional garments with a checkered twist, or a kabuki actor shredding it on the skateboard. Each figure has its own appeal and humor, captured through ukiyo-e [traditional Japanese woodblock prints] style illustration, being the perfect item to grab as a lover of skate culture or Japan in general.

In celebration of the launch, VANS Japan will be having a pop-up event at ABC-MART GRAND STAGE GINZA 2F until July 1st. If you snag a t-shirt during the period of the popup, you will be gifted more exclusive items, so be sure to check it out!