[Update 21 Feb 2023] The wait has been long with this one, but a release date has finally been confirmed for the Nike Air Max 1 “Design by Japan”. Also known as “Think Tank”, the pair is said to arrive on 28 February in women’s sizing via Nike SNKRS and selected retailers. Retail is set at 19,250 JPY (~US$145) per pair.

[Update 30 Jan 2023] While release dates are yet to be announced, it is rumored that the Nike Air Max 1 “Design by Japan” will arrive in March in celebration of Air Max Day, exclusively to Japan. In the meantime, check out official images of the pair that has surfaced in the top slider above while we await for further updates.

Nike is celebrating the Air Max’s 35th Anniversary by tapping onto the love Japanese sneakerheads have for the model. Aptly termed the “Nike Design by Japan”, it is the first ever project of its kind for the Swoosh whereby an Air Max design will be based on the input of SNKR app users in Japan.

After data was collected from users, the design direction was led by Erick Goto, Nike’s footwear and apparel design director for the APLA region. The result is a 70’s inspired running shoe with strong influence from the 1978 Nike Sting colorway of green, white, and burnt orange.

Green leather takes up most of the upper and appears prominently on the lateral side, mudguard and eyelets. White mesh envelops the toe box while burnt orange paints the heel. Paler green suede overlays are placed above the mesh. The vintage vibe of the shoe is accentuated by cream laces, yellowed midsoles and brown gum outsoles — all of which give the design an aged look. Wrapping up the look is a metallic hangtag, likely a nod to the Japanese sneaker community.

This Nike Air Max 1 “Design by Japan” is expected to be released on Japan’s SNKRS early 2023. ‘Till then, keep scrolling to see more sample images!

In other Nike-related news, check out this holiday-appropriate Gorge Green edition of the Nike SB Dunk High Decon.