In a world flooded with sneaker brands and endless design iterations, it can be a challenge to create something truly new and fresh. Yet, amid the sea of familiar styles, a Japanese brand named “SANGACIO” has offered a unique take on traditional sneaker design.

With a focus on blending innovation and heritage, SANGACIO stands out in a crowded market. We’re honored to have the opportunity to speak with their team and delve into the story behind their journey, exploring what sets them apart in an industry known for its constant evolution.

• Could you introduce the brand SANGACIO and tell us about its origins?

SANGACIO was founded in December 2015 by Kazuki Maeda, also known as Bamboo. Born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan, he developed a passion for sneakers in junior high school, inspired by his love for design and craftsmanship.

After graduating high school, Bamboo moved to Tokyo, seeking greater opportunities and deeper immersion in the sneaker culture that fascinated him. While excelling in various roles there, his long-held dream of creating his own sneaker brand never wavered.

To turn this vision into reality, he relocated to Kobe, a city renowned for its footwear craftsmanship, where he honed his expertise in sneaker manufacturing. Driven to refine his skills even further, Bamboo then moved to Florence, Italy, where he studied at the prestigious Accademia Riaci.

After completing his studies in Florence, Bamboo relocated to Thailand—a decision that ultimately led to the birth of SANGACIO—a custom sneaker shop named after the street in Florence where his dorm once stood.

• Through pursuing creative design in Florence, Italy, how did this experience shape Bamboo’s perspective on sneakers and design?

Over the course of his studies, Bamboo learned the value of creating designs that are deeply personal and inimitable—a philosophy that inspired him to blend traditional Japanese elements, such as calligraphy and craftsmanship, into his work. This approach set his designs apart in the global sneaker landscape, offering a unique fusion of heritage and innovation.

During his time in Florence, Bamboo volunteered as a street tour guide, a role that intrigued locals who often asked about his signage. His explanations of the three Japanese alphabets—Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji—captivated the Italians, sparking a deeper cultural exchange.

This experience not only strengthened his bond with the local community but also reinforced his commitment to blending his Japanese roots with the global culture he was immersed in.

• How did the brand evolve from a custom sneaker shop to launching its own sneaker line?

During its early days as a custom sneaker shop, SANGACIO attracted a diverse clientele, including prominent Japanese TV personalities and professional athletes—all passionate sneaker enthusiasts like Bamboo.

This growing success inspired Bamboo to take a bold step: transitioning from customizing other brands’ sneakers to manufacturing his own. His first sneaker series featured the signature “にゅ (nyu)” logo—a design that had become a favorite among his custom shop clients—produced through a manufacturing company in Pattaya, Thailand.

To this day, Bamboo personally designs every sneaker, often drawing inspiration from the iconic styles of the 1990s. SANGACIO has maintained a decade-long partnership with the same manufacturing company, allowing Bamboo to fine-tune the production process through incremental adjustments.

• Can you explain the significance of the Japanese characters “にゅ” in your sneaker designs?

The “にゅ (nyu)” logo symbolizes our commitment to redefining sneaker design. While some may think the world of sneakers has exhausted all possibilities, we see this as a chance to break new ground.

At SANGACIO, we’re driven to create something genuinely ‘new’ (にゅー)—pushing the boundaries of sneaker innovation and offering our customers a fresh perspective. This dedication to originality is what truly sets us apart.

• Could you highlight some of your most popular sneaker models and the stories behind them?

The Nyu’s “Carmine Red” is one of our most popular sneaker designs, inspired by the Air Jordan 6 “Carmine”. Bamboo, an avid fan of the 1996 AJ6 “Carmine”, frequently wore the pair during his junior high school years.

He’s particularly drawn to its striking color scheme—a perfectly balanced mix of red, white, and black. This homage has resonated with SANGACIO fans, who appreciate its nod to an iconic aesthetic.

• What factors do you consider when collaborating with other brands, such as BRANDALISED and Jean-Michel Basquiat?

We approach each collaboration with a focus on innovation, carefully assessing a brand’s potential before proposing a partnership. At SANGACIO, the mission is to create something genuinely new. We collaborate only with artists and entities that align with this vision, ensuring their contributions enrich both culture and the arts.

SANGACIO’s collaborations celebrate the unique culture and aesthetics of each partner. Whether it’s a global brand or a city like New York, we transform distinct perspectives into meaningful sneaker designs.

Drawing from Bamboo’s personal design roots—like his deep connection to New York’s sneaker culture—Bamboo ensures every project is both authentic and groundbreaking.

• How does the brand view Japan’s role in the global sneaker industry?

While Japan is home to a passionate community of world-class sneaker enthusiasts, we think it has yet to establish itself globally as a powerhouse for producing widely celebrated sneakers.

• How do you view the current state of the sneaker market, and what trends do you foresee?

Since their debut in the 1970s, sneakers have evolved over the past 55 years, shaped by various cultural and artistic movements. Bamboo believes that sneakers have long since moved beyond a fleeting trend and are now fully integrated into everyday life. It’s now common to see older generations sporting sneakers—a once-unimaginable sight.

Although some suggest that sneaker sales are slowing, Bamboo disagrees. He believes this perception comes from sneakers having become so ingrained in daily life that they no longer spark the same overt conversation. Today, sneaker enthusiasts have more options than ever to find pairs that reflect their personal style and individuality.

Bamboo also notes a shift in the market, where smaller, mid-sized brands are increasingly challenging the dominance of major sneaker labels. This creates a more diverse and segmented landscape, opening up unique opportunities for authentic brands like SANGACIO, which are deeply passionate about design and craftsmanship.

• As an avid sneaker collector, which models have significantly influenced Bamboo’s journey and design aesthetic?

Left to right: Air Jordan 5, 6, 7

Bamboo is drawn to the Jordan 5, 6, and 7 for their perfect blend of functionality and beauty. This focus on functionality has paved the way for avant-garde designs, incorporating cutting-edge technologies.

He describes the feeling of stepping into a new pair of sneakers for the first time as akin to “acquiring a new weapon.” Through his exploration of sneaker design, Bamboo discovered that it was often inspired by the sleek lines of combat planes and cars, igniting his passion for the craft.

• Are there any specific brands or creatives the brand would like to collaborate with?

Bamboo recalls spending his junior high school days wandering Harajuku in search of rare, parallel-imported Supreme products. His admiration for the brand has only grown over time, and now, Supreme is the brand he aspires to collaborate with the most.

Bamboo envisions Ed Sheeran, an influential and remarkable artist, wearing SANGACIO sneakers. He believes that Sheeran’s style and influence make him an ideal fit for the brand.

• Can you share any upcoming plans or projects for SANGACIO?

As the sneaker market evolves, so too must SANGACIO. As a brand that plays a role in shaping sneaker culture, we are approaching our 10th anniversary next year with a clear commitment to continue pushing forward. One of our main focuses will be launching new sneaker lines with a heightened emphasis on sustainability.

In January 2025, SANGACIO will team up with Singapore’s Culture Cartel for an exciting physical event, followed by another pop-up in April.

• What advice would you give to aspiring creatives looking to start their own sneaker brands?

We live in a time where pursuing your passions and turning them into a viable career is more achievable than ever. Bamboo remembers that as a child, his parents were cautious about the idea of building a life around sneakers. But the landscape has shifted, and today, people can actively pursue what they love.

Bamboo stresses that there’s a significant difference between “loving” something and simply “liking” it. Loving something demands effort, dedication, and sacrifice while liking something doesn’t always require the same level of commitment.

He believes that if you stay persistent and never give up on your dreams, they can come true. To fuel that persistence, it’s essential to genuinely love what you’re doing.

• Is there anything you’d like to say to the readers of SNKRDUNK?

We see SNKRDUNK as a cutting-edge media outlet and shop that consistently stays ahead of trends. We’re also focused on creating designs and movements that spark excitement and keep SNKRDUNK and its readers buzzing, so do keep a lookout for us.

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