[Update 26 Sep 2022] Rui Hachimura’s latest Air Jordan 36, which pays homage to his Japanese roots, is getting a Japan-first exclusive release, with Nike members already able to purchase the pair from 23 September. The Japanese general release will happen on 30 September with a retail price of JPY23,650 (~US$164).

On top of the exquisite sakura print, various other Japanese elements also adorn the shoe. Hachimura’s logo, designed by his mother, features a Japanese sword motif; while the Japanese text on the heel tab reads “Black Samurai”—a likely reference to the Wizard forward’s mixed heritage.

Come the 2022-23 NBA Season in mid-October, the Air Jordan 37 will take the 36’s place at the fore of Jordan Brand’s catalogue. The sun may be setting on the latter model, but with a colorway inspired by the land of the rising sun, it continues to shine. During the last season, the 36 was the Jumpman staple, one of the most-worn shoes by NBA players as seen on the feet of All-Stars and roster members Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić.

While they’re most likely to be wearing their first-ever signature shoes in the upcoming season, they’ve had some of the most interesting PE colorways in the time when they wore the 36 like Tatum’s personal Mustang-inspired pair, and Luka’s inspired by his “El Matador” nickname.

The latest addition to the 36’s growing personalized catalogue is Washington Wizards forward, Rui Hachimura’s, his second offering of the silhouette. The pair is once more an homage to his Japanese roots, rightfully so, being one of only four players in the NBA from Japan.

Typical of the Japanese, Hachimura’s pair features a luxe aesthetic, the construction artisanal. An all-over floral print encircle the jacquard upper with the crane, Japan’s bird of happiness and good luck, dancing amongst the cherry blossoms.

Golden embroidery embellish the pair through the alternating branding elements on the tongue with the Jumpman on the right, and Hachimura’s logo on the left. On the underside are Japanese text that reappear on the heel’s pull tab, sharing the same golden finish as the “Nike Air” branding below. The pre-established red and green motif continues to permeate by way of accent trimmings through the eyestays and midsoles before fading out into the translucent outsole.

The Rui Hachimura x Air Jordan 36 “Sakura” is scheduled for 1st November release but a price point has yet to be confirmed.

In other heritage-inspired pairs, check out Mimi Plange’s take on the Nike Lebron 18, the artist’s homage to her African roots.