ASICS finds inspiration from its Japanese cultural roots with its newest instalment to the ASICS GT-II “Yoshida at Tokaido” series. Previously released in salmon pink and azure blue colorways, such a palette was chosen to reflect “GORAIKO”, or the sunrise view on Mt Fuji. This time around, the ASICS GT-II is specifically taking inspiration from Katsushika Hokusai’s (1760-1849) “Yoshida at Tokaido” artwork from his “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji” series.

Though Hokusai is most famously known for his wood-block printed “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”, which was also part of the “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji” series, ASICS’ decision to focus on the “Yoshida at Tokaido” shows the brand’s recognition of the artist’s diverse works. Art history buffs with a penchant for Japanese art would be privy to the fact that Edo-period prints tend to feature Mt. Fuji as the central subject in a natural environment. What sets Hokusai’s “Yoshida at Tokaido” apart is that it features Mt. Fuji from the view of a tea house’s window, placing manmade architecture as the focus while the mountain’s beauty serves as a backdrop for human activities.

Mirroring the color palette of this print, ASICS GT-II Yoshida at Tokaido has two colorways — Pure Aqua/Sage and Cream/Butter. As one would guess from the name, Pure Aqua/Sage takes on a blue-green hue that mimics the sky’s hues and the clothing worn by the teahouse patrons. Similarly, the yellow shades in the ASICS GT-II Yoshida at Tokaido Cream/Butter colorway is meant to mimic the yellow-toned wood of the teahouse. Found on the heels of both colorways is a debossed Mt. Fuji logo.

The ASICS GT-II is the perfect model to reflect Hokusai’s sentimentalities as it is the first shoe to be distributed with GEL technology outside Japan. Such a history aligns well with the popular export of Hokusai’s art pieces, which found prominence in Europe, primarily France.

The ASICS GT-II Yoshida at Tokaido Pure Aqua/Sage and Cream/Butter will be made available on ASICS Japan on 28 July. It will retail for ￥13,200 (~US$97). Though no news of a wider release has been announced, check back to our SNKRDUNK Magazine for more updates.

In the meantime, why not check out Reebok’s manga collaboration with Hidarikiki no Eren?