“Our Park” A Documentary on Tokyo’s Nike Miyashita Park
April 15, 2010 ⋅ Uncategorized ⋅ by Eugene Kan ⋅ 27 Views

Having documented the ongoing struggles of the homeless inhabitants of Tokyo’s Miyashita Park, “Our Park” is a short documentary that takes a further in-depth look into public space. The selling and subsequent purchase of the park by Nike which resulted in its renaming are highlighted. Furthermore, the artistic aspect of the park is brought to light as it serves as a place for many artists to convene and promote their creativity.

Director: Emil Langballe & Maria Samoto le Dous

Tags: , ,  
  • qB

    This is an unfortunate situation but these people are not Nike employees, Nike doesn’t have any obligation to them. It is the Japanese government that should be providing and looking after their people. It is the community that should be looking after it’s own.

    It would be best if Nike did something to help these people out, but the government was a willing player and should be held accountable by it’s people. Perhaps they think all this pressure on Nike will put pressure on their government. It may be some bad publicity for Nike but compared to running sweatshops and allowing child labor, changing a run down park to a urban playground for the youth will make Nike look like an good Samaritan.

    Best solution, the government relocates everyone to shelters and Nike donates some clothes to keep everyone warm.

  • qB

    This is an unfortunate situation but these people are not Nike employees, Nike doesn’t have any obligation to them. It is the Japanese government that should be providing and looking after their people. It is the community that should be looking after it’s own.

    It would be best if Nike did something to help these people out, but the government was a willing player and should be held accountable by it’s people. Perhaps they think all this pressure on Nike will put pressure on their government. It may be some bad publicity for Nike but compared to running sweatshops and allowing child labor, changing a run down park to a urban playground for the youth will make Nike look like an good Samaritan.

    Best solution, the government relocates everyone to shelters and Nike donates some clothes to keep everyone warm.

  • qB

    This is an unfortunate situation but these people are not Nike employees, Nike doesn’t have any obligation to them. It is the Japanese government that should be providing and looking after their people. It is the community that should be looking after it’s own.

    It would be best if Nike did something to help these people out, but the government was a willing player and should be held accountable by it’s people. Perhaps they think all this pressure on Nike will put pressure on their government. It may be some bad publicity for Nike but compared to running sweatshops and allowing child labor, changing a run down park to a urban playground for the youth will make Nike look like an good Samaritan.

    Best solution, the government relocates everyone to shelters and Nike donates some clothes to keep everyone warm.

  • qB

    This is an unfortunate situation but these people are not Nike employees, Nike doesn’t have any obligation to them. It is the Japanese government that should be providing and looking after their people. It is the community that should be looking after it’s own.

    It would be best if Nike did something to help these people out, but the government was a willing player and should be held accountable by it’s people. Perhaps they think all this pressure on Nike will put pressure on their government. It may be some bad publicity for Nike but compared to running sweatshops and allowing child labor, changing a run down park to a urban playground for the youth will make Nike look like an good Samaritan.

    Best solution, the government relocates everyone to shelters and Nike donates some clothes to keep everyone warm.

  • abrakadabra

    There : what the homeless people need is not jobs but homes!
    S.Donuts : +1

    goodbye society.

  • abrakadabra

    There : what the homeless people need is not jobs but homes!
    S.Donuts : +1

    goodbye society.

  • abrakadabra

    There : what the homeless people need is not jobs but homes!
    S.Donuts : +1

    goodbye society.

  • abrakadabra

    There : what the homeless people need is not jobs but homes!
    S.Donuts : +1

    goodbye society.

  • ripzinger

    They are trying to make SKATEBOARD PARK.
    For KIDS.
    Putting logo name is side results.
    Homeless should understand they can do something good for kids.
    KIDS? or Homeless?
    Which has future??
    Which is cleaner??

  • ripzinger

    They are trying to make SKATEBOARD PARK.
    For KIDS.
    Putting logo name is side results.
    Homeless should understand they can do something good for kids.
    KIDS? or Homeless?
    Which has future??
    Which is cleaner??

  • ripzinger

    They are trying to make SKATEBOARD PARK.
    For KIDS.
    Putting logo name is side results.
    Homeless should understand they can do something good for kids.
    KIDS? or Homeless?
    Which has future??
    Which is cleaner??

  • ripzinger

    They are trying to make SKATEBOARD PARK.
    For KIDS.
    Putting logo name is side results.
    Homeless should understand they can do something good for kids.
    KIDS? or Homeless?
    Which has future??
    Which is cleaner??

  • http://www.ajani.ca Ajani

    This is an interesting documentary.

    I’m going to check it out, just now.

    Even when Nike messes up, they get free promo. Lol.

  • http://www.ajani.ca Ajani

    This is an interesting documentary.

    I’m going to check it out, just now.

    Even when Nike messes up, they get free promo. Lol.

  • http://www.ajani.ca Ajani

    This is an interesting documentary.

    I’m going to check it out, just now.

    Even when Nike messes up, they get free promo. Lol.

  • http://www.ajani.ca Ajani

    This is an interesting documentary.

    I’m going to check it out, just now.

    Even when Nike messes up, they get free promo. Lol.

  • http://gourmetkickz.com GourmetBennyB.

    Wow…pretty much speechless…i know we’ve had our squabbles in the past with Japan but damn those people are freakin homeless, they have nothing, the least they can have is the park….there’s plenty of abandoned lots, buildings, shopping plazas etc. so go build on land that isn’t inhabited….wow this shit just really blew my mind i can’t believe the NIKE brand, and i love your products so much but this shit here makes me not even wanna eff with the brand no more…hmmmm

  • http://gourmetkickz.com GourmetBennyB.

    Wow…pretty much speechless…i know we’ve had our squabbles in the past with Japan but damn those people are freakin homeless, they have nothing, the least they can have is the park….there’s plenty of abandoned lots, buildings, shopping plazas etc. so go build on land that isn’t inhabited….wow this shit just really blew my mind i can’t believe the NIKE brand, and i love your products so much but this shit here makes me not even wanna eff with the brand no more…hmmmm

  • http://gourmetkickz.com GourmetBennyB.

    Wow…pretty much speechless…i know we’ve had our squabbles in the past with Japan but damn those people are freakin homeless, they have nothing, the least they can have is the park….there’s plenty of abandoned lots, buildings, shopping plazas etc. so go build on land that isn’t inhabited….wow this shit just really blew my mind i can’t believe the NIKE brand, and i love your products so much but this shit here makes me not even wanna eff with the brand no more…hmmmm

  • http://gourmetkickz.com GourmetBennyB.

    Wow…pretty much speechless…i know we’ve had our squabbles in the past with Japan but damn those people are freakin homeless, they have nothing, the least they can have is the park….there’s plenty of abandoned lots, buildings, shopping plazas etc. so go build on land that isn’t inhabited….wow this shit just really blew my mind i can’t believe the NIKE brand, and i love your products so much but this shit here makes me not even wanna eff with the brand no more…hmmmm

  • archives416

    squaters have no rights, whether its in a public park in japan or a makeshift shantytown in brazil. a multinational company like nike has every right to barter with the tokyo government to take a public eyesore and turn it into something commercial. you people are talking like they’ve paved paradise and put up a parking lot. since when is homelessness culturally relevant to japanese or any modern society for that matter? its a social dilemma. if anything, it will dare i say, force the tokyo municipality to step up their social services delivery that much easier now that these squaters will become much more visually prevailent and displaced and find an alternative solution that works. after years of ignoring homelessness by “inviting” it to fester in a public park, they are now forced to tackle it head on, no different than when the olympic games land in a city with similar social problems. its a win win the way i spin it.

  • archives416

    squaters have no rights, whether its in a public park in japan or a makeshift shantytown in brazil. a multinational company like nike has every right to barter with the tokyo government to take a public eyesore and turn it into something commercial. you people are talking like they’ve paved paradise and put up a parking lot. since when is homelessness culturally relevant to japanese or any modern society for that matter? its a social dilemma. if anything, it will dare i say, force the tokyo municipality to step up their social services delivery that much easier now that these squaters will become much more visually prevailent and displaced and find an alternative solution that works. after years of ignoring homelessness by “inviting” it to fester in a public park, they are now forced to tackle it head on, no different than when the olympic games land in a city with similar social problems. its a win win the way i spin it.

  • archives416

    squaters have no rights, whether its in a public park in japan or a makeshift shantytown in brazil. a multinational company like nike has every right to barter with the tokyo government to take a public eyesore and turn it into something commercial. you people are talking like they’ve paved paradise and put up a parking lot. since when is homelessness culturally relevant to japanese or any modern society for that matter? its a social dilemma. if anything, it will dare i say, force the tokyo municipality to step up their social services delivery that much easier now that these squaters will become much more visually prevailent and displaced and find an alternative solution that works. after years of ignoring homelessness by “inviting” it to fester in a public park, they are now forced to tackle it head on, no different than when the olympic games land in a city with similar social problems. its a win win the way i spin it.

  • archives416

    squaters have no rights, whether its in a public park in japan or a makeshift shantytown in brazil. a multinational company like nike has every right to barter with the tokyo government to take a public eyesore and turn it into something commercial. you people are talking like they’ve paved paradise and put up a parking lot. since when is homelessness culturally relevant to japanese or any modern society for that matter? its a social dilemma. if anything, it will dare i say, force the tokyo municipality to step up their social services delivery that much easier now that these squaters will become much more visually prevailent and displaced and find an alternative solution that works. after years of ignoring homelessness by “inviting” it to fester in a public park, they are now forced to tackle it head on, no different than when the olympic games land in a city with similar social problems. its a win win the way i spin it.

  • Golek

    Corporate and Consumer Greed will destroy us all…
    eventually
    r.i.p

  • Golek

    Corporate and Consumer Greed will destroy us all…
    eventually
    r.i.p

  • Golek

    Corporate and Consumer Greed will destroy us all…
    eventually
    r.i.p

  • There

    Wanna solve the problem! NIKE…give those homeless people jobs! DONE! everyone happy.

  • There

    Wanna solve the problem! NIKE…give those homeless people jobs! DONE! everyone happy.

  • There

    Wanna solve the problem! NIKE…give those homeless people jobs! DONE! everyone happy.

  • There

    Wanna solve the problem! NIKE…give those homeless people jobs! DONE! everyone happy.

  • http://campdonuts.wordpress.com/ S.Donuts

    Wow something useful from hypebeast!
    http://mediachampon.net/ja/no-nike

  • http://campdonuts.wordpress.com/ S.Donuts

    Wow something useful from hypebeast!
    http://mediachampon.net/ja/no-nike

  • http://campdonuts.wordpress.com/ S.Donuts

    Wow something useful from hypebeast!
    http://mediachampon.net/ja/no-nike

  • fitty

    ya its pretty messed up that these people are loosing their “home”…..but they are homeless! im sure they can find another park to live in.

  • fitty

    ya its pretty messed up that these people are loosing their “home”…..but they are homeless! im sure they can find another park to live in.

  • fitty

    ya its pretty messed up that these people are loosing their “home”…..but they are homeless! im sure they can find another park to live in.

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  • Nia

    I recently had the opportunity to visit Tokyo and my gf and I took a walk through Miyashita Park not knowing before hand that it was a homeless refuge. Its a difficult situation, on the one hand we saw trash strewn everywhere and obviously its not a real park that someone would take their children to play in. On the other hand its one of the very few places the homeless have sanctuary, having no real support from the Japanese government. Its a real shame that such a advanced society on the surface, can’t care for its less fortunate citizens. Nike, do something good with all the money you’ve acquired other than continue with your greed…

  • Nia

    I recently had the opportunity to visit Tokyo and my gf and I took a walk through Miyashita Park not knowing before hand that it was a homeless refuge. Its a difficult situation, on the one hand we saw trash strewn everywhere and obviously its not a real park that someone would take their children to play in. On the other hand its one of the very few places the homeless have sanctuary, having no real support from the Japanese government. Its a real shame that such a advanced society on the surface, can’t care for its less fortunate citizens. Nike, do something good with all the money you’ve acquired other than continue with your greed…

  • Nia

    I recently had the opportunity to visit Tokyo and my gf and I took a walk through Miyashita Park not knowing before hand that it was a homeless refuge. Its a difficult situation, on the one hand we saw trash strewn everywhere and obviously its not a real park that someone would take their children to play in. On the other hand its one of the very few places the homeless have sanctuary, having no real support from the Japanese government. Its a real shame that such a advanced society on the surface, can’t care for its less fortunate citizens. Nike, do something good with all the money you’ve acquired other than continue with your greed…

  • Nia

    I recently had the opportunity to visit Tokyo and my gf and I took a walk through Miyashita Park not knowing before hand that it was a homeless refuge. Its a difficult situation, on the one hand we saw trash strewn everywhere and obviously its not a real park that someone would take their children to play in. On the other hand its one of the very few places the homeless have sanctuary, having no real support from the Japanese government. Its a real shame that such a advanced society on the surface, can’t care for its less fortunate citizens. Nike, do something good with all the money you’ve acquired other than continue with your greed…

  • wes

    Japan’s homeless peeps are much cooler than the ones we got in the U.S.

  • wes

    Japan’s homeless peeps are much cooler than the ones we got in the U.S.

  • wes

    Japan’s homeless peeps are much cooler than the ones we got in the U.S.

  • wes

    Japan’s homeless peeps are much cooler than the ones we got in the U.S.

  • Circle A

    You’re all very slow to realize that NIKE is molesting art & youth culture, & anyone buying their products(especially so-called “sneaker heads”)are only helping them further their reach. Corporations are product/ ends first, and people dead last, if at all. Wise up.

  • Circle A

    You’re all very slow to realize that NIKE is molesting art & youth culture, & anyone buying their products(especially so-called “sneaker heads”)are only helping them further their reach. Corporations are product/ ends first, and people dead last, if at all. Wise up.

  • Circle A

    You’re all very slow to realize that NIKE is molesting art & youth culture, & anyone buying their products(especially so-called “sneaker heads”)are only helping them further their reach. Corporations are product/ ends first, and people dead last, if at all. Wise up.

  • Circle A

    You’re all very slow to realize that NIKE is molesting art & youth culture, & anyone buying their products(especially so-called “sneaker heads”)are only helping them further their reach. Corporations are product/ ends first, and people dead last, if at all. Wise up.

  • E

    WTF NIKE YOU GUYZ ARE A SHOE COMPANY NOT DESTROY LIVES MORE THEN THEY ALREADY ARE THEY ARE MANY PLACES THE RICH(NIKE) COULD MOVE ON WHY TAKE FROM HOMELESS PEEPS JAPAN HAS GAVE ALOT TO YOU AND IT WAS NOT THE GOVERN…. SPENDING THIS MONEY IS WAS THE CONSUMERS NOW YOU TAKE THEIR TURF FUCK THAT WHAT ABOUT WE INVADED MONTALBAN WHILE YOU WERE THERE OR 21 MERCER YOU KEEP PUSHING PEOPLE TO DRASTIC MEASURES AND WE WILL REVOLT AND WE WILL FUCK YOU UP I LOVE NIKE TO THE FULLEST BUT I HATE BIG COMPANY GIANTS DESTROYING THE POOR MUST OF YOUR REAL NIKE HEADS ARE OR CAME FROM THE POOR RESPECT OR GET DELT WITH HOMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • E

    WTF NIKE YOU GUYZ ARE A SHOE COMPANY NOT DESTROY LIVES MORE THEN THEY ALREADY ARE THEY ARE MANY PLACES THE RICH(NIKE) COULD MOVE ON WHY TAKE FROM HOMELESS PEEPS JAPAN HAS GAVE ALOT TO YOU AND IT WAS NOT THE GOVERN…. SPENDING THIS MONEY IS WAS THE CONSUMERS NOW YOU TAKE THEIR TURF FUCK THAT WHAT ABOUT WE INVADED MONTALBAN WHILE YOU WERE THERE OR 21 MERCER YOU KEEP PUSHING PEOPLE TO DRASTIC MEASURES AND WE WILL REVOLT AND WE WILL FUCK YOU UP I LOVE NIKE TO THE FULLEST BUT I HATE BIG COMPANY GIANTS DESTROYING THE POOR MUST OF YOUR REAL NIKE HEADS ARE OR CAME FROM THE POOR RESPECT OR GET DELT WITH HOMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • E

    WTF NIKE YOU GUYZ ARE A SHOE COMPANY NOT DESTROY LIVES MORE THEN THEY ALREADY ARE THEY ARE MANY PLACES THE RICH(NIKE) COULD MOVE ON WHY TAKE FROM HOMELESS PEEPS JAPAN HAS GAVE ALOT TO YOU AND IT WAS NOT THE GOVERN…. SPENDING THIS MONEY IS WAS THE CONSUMERS NOW YOU TAKE THEIR TURF FUCK THAT WHAT ABOUT WE INVADED MONTALBAN WHILE YOU WERE THERE OR 21 MERCER YOU KEEP PUSHING PEOPLE TO DRASTIC MEASURES AND WE WILL REVOLT AND WE WILL FUCK YOU UP I LOVE NIKE TO THE FULLEST BUT I HATE BIG COMPANY GIANTS DESTROYING THE POOR MUST OF YOUR REAL NIKE HEADS ARE OR CAME FROM THE POOR RESPECT OR GET DELT WITH HOMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • E

    WTF NIKE YOU GUYZ ARE A SHOE COMPANY NOT DESTROY LIVES MORE THEN THEY ALREADY ARE THEY ARE MANY PLACES THE RICH(NIKE) COULD MOVE ON WHY TAKE FROM HOMELESS PEEPS JAPAN HAS GAVE ALOT TO YOU AND IT WAS NOT THE GOVERN…. SPENDING THIS MONEY IS WAS THE CONSUMERS NOW YOU TAKE THEIR TURF FUCK THAT WHAT ABOUT WE INVADED MONTALBAN WHILE YOU WERE THERE OR 21 MERCER YOU KEEP PUSHING PEOPLE TO DRASTIC MEASURES AND WE WILL REVOLT AND WE WILL FUCK YOU UP I LOVE NIKE TO THE FULLEST BUT I HATE BIG COMPANY GIANTS DESTROYING THE POOR MUST OF YOUR REAL NIKE HEADS ARE OR CAME FROM THE POOR RESPECT OR GET DELT WITH HOMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • T21D

    Why blame Nike? Blame the Japanese govt., they’re the ones who sold it.

  • T21D

    Why blame Nike? Blame the Japanese govt., they’re the ones who sold it.

  • T21D

    Why blame Nike? Blame the Japanese govt., they’re the ones who sold it.

  • T21D

    Why blame Nike? Blame the Japanese govt., they’re the ones who sold it.

  • http://shogungamer.com Oreo

    I live not to far from here. It’s a shame to see what nike is doing. I think a anti-nike campaigned would be a good tactic for a competing company right about now.

  • http://shogungamer.com Oreo

    I live not to far from here. It’s a shame to see what nike is doing. I think a anti-nike campaigned would be a good tactic for a competing company right about now.

  • http://shogungamer.com Oreo

    I live not to far from here. It’s a shame to see what nike is doing. I think a anti-nike campaigned would be a good tactic for a competing company right about now.

  • Daisuke

    Sad to see this happening

  • Daisuke

    Sad to see this happening

  • Daisuke

    Sad to see this happening

  • Daisuke

    Sad to see this happening

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  • http://www.monkeedesign.com Bailey

    Damn Nike’s fuxin up

  • http://www.monkeedesign.com Bailey

    Damn Nike’s fuxin up

  • Doarat

    Most Nike heads have no social conscious.

  • Doarat

    Most Nike heads have no social conscious.

  • Doarat

    Most Nike heads have no social conscious.

  • Doarat

    HAHAHA @ Coby.

    never.

  • Doarat

    HAHAHA @ Coby.

    never.

  • Pingback: “Our Park” Documental sobre el parque Nike Miyashita en Tokyo | Wrimey

  • onkel

    Seriously nike, how much badwill is it worth to put your fucking name on a park?
    There’s still 2 sneaker stores per block in shibuya. Its not like I have a chance of missing the fact that nike is around.

  • onkel

    Seriously nike, how much badwill is it worth to put your fucking name on a park?
    There’s still 2 sneaker stores per block in shibuya. Its not like I have a chance of missing the fact that nike is around.

  • onkel

    Seriously nike, how much badwill is it worth to put your fucking name on a park?
    There’s still 2 sneaker stores per block in shibuya. Its not like I have a chance of missing the fact that nike is around.

  • Maluco

    Interesting…..

  • Maluco

    Interesting…..

  • Maluco

    Interesting…..

  • coby

    boycott nike and all its collab!

  • coby

    boycott nike and all its collab!

  • coby

    boycott nike and all its collab!