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A Manga Legend Steps into Reality

The ultimate crossover is finally here. The world of Yu-Gi-Oh!, the iconic battle adventure series by Kazuki Takahashi, officially collides with the sneaker world in a landmark collaboration with Nike. The result is a real-life version of the legendary “Air Muscle” sneaker from the manga, reimagined as a Nike Air Max 95. The global “Joey” colorway is set to launch worldwide on 12th September 2025.

Alongside the global release, a special edition, black-based “Jonouchi” colorway was released exclusively in Japan. This version was available only at the “House of Duel – Domino City” event held from 5th to 7th September. We managed to get our hands on this incredibly rare pair, and we’re here to give you a detailed, in-hand look at this masterpiece.

About the “Air Muscle”

First, for those who might not know, the “Air Muscle” made its debut in the second volume of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! manga, in an episode titled “The Man of Poison.” The sneaker was a direct homage to the Air Max, which was a massive social phenomenon in Japan at the time of the manga’s serialization, and its design closely mirrors the Air Max 95.

In the story, Katsuya Jonouchi (known internationally as Joey Wheeler), the best friend of protagonist Yugi Muto, manages to acquire a pair after surviving an “Air Muscle Hunting” incident—a direct reference to the real-life “Air Max Hunting” crime wave in 1990s Japan where people were mugged for their rare sneakers. From that point on, the shoes become a signature part of his look. For fans, this sneaker is packed with nostalgia, and seeing it brought to life as an official Nike collaboration is a dream come true.

The collaboration features two distinct colorways. The first is the globally available “Joey” colorway. It faithfully recreates the sneaker Jonouchi wore in the manga with a blue and navy base, accented by vibrant yellow on the tongue and Air unit.

The second, which we’re showcasing here, is the Japan-exclusive “Jonouchi.” This version features a gradient of different grays, reflecting the manga’s transition to its anime adaptation. The color scheme also evokes the image of Jonouchi’s ace monster, the legendary “Red-Eyes Black Dragon.”

A Closer Look: The Yu-Gi-Oh! x Nike Air Max 95 “Jonouchi”

Now, let’s dive into the details with an up-close photo report.

Right away, the shoebox itself is an emotional experience for any fan. The black box features stunning illustrations of Jonouchi wearing his Air Muscles, alongside his Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Taking center stage on the lid is an illustration of the Air Muscle with a knife-stuck scorpion inside it, a powerful tribute to the original manga episode. The box even includes a matching “Poisonous Scorpion’s Trap” Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game (OCG) card.

Opening the box reveals inner wrapping paper decorated with the attributes from the Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG. In a brilliant touch, the “DARK” attribute of Red-Eyes Black Dragon is featured prominently in the center.

The shoe itself is built on a black base, with side panels that flow in a gradient of gray. The shades are created using dots of varying density, a clever design choice that calls to mind the screentone used in manga art.

The midsole features a printed pattern reminiscent of the scuff marks on Jonouchi’s sneakers in the manga. On the heel’s Air unit, you’ll find the text “1995 NIKE ☆ YU-GI-OH!” to commemorate the collaboration.

Inside, the sockliners feature custom graphics: Jonouchi on the left foot and Red-Eyes Black Dragon on the right. And in one of the best easter eggs, the Air Max logo on the tongue has been faithfully replaced with “air muscle,” just as it appeared in the manga.

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Final Thoughts

The “Air Muscle,” a sneaker that lived only on the pages of manga, has been brought into the real world with breathtaking quality. The immense passion and attention to detail from the creators are palpable in every element of the design. For the fans who have waited nearly 30 years since its first appearance in the comic, this release is sure to exceed all expectations.

For more information on the “Joey” colorway releasing on 12th September and the accompanying apparel collection, be sure to check out our other features.

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