It’s no overestimation to say that 100-year-old Champion is an established OG in American collegiate streetwear, with the first hooded sweatshirt and durable reverse weave under its credentials of innovations.

In the Eastern seas, WTAPS’ founder Tetsu Nishiyama leads the brand into a similar position. As a significant figure in the 90’s Harajuku streetwear scene, his vision for WTAPS included an exclusive and obscure modus operandi, enabling desirability through scarcity. And today, it’s considered one of the vanguards of Japanese streetwear.

This collaboration between WTAPS and Champion is thus a meeting of heavyweights, and the pair have decided to rejuvenate their “Academy” series this Spring 2023. The second instalment in the series, expect to see a line of blacked out  tees, sweaters, hoodies, sweatpants and socks.

Creating contrast are striking neon green linings as well as on the Champion “C” logos. The quintessential “WTAPS URBAN TERRITORY” is also embroidered onto the collection’s pieces.

This WTAPS x Champion “Academy” collection ranges from US$35 to US$220 and raffles for the pieces have started on WTAPS’ online webstore.

In other Japanese apparel collaborations, Yohji Yamamoto has reunited with New Era for more modern staples.