WTAPS' foundation and brand ethos has been built on the notion of creating well designed items which ensure designs are placed where they should be. With an extensive collection set to release at Hoods Hong Kong, WTAPS and Neighborhood will both be well represented. Here's a look at some of the items releasing from WTAPS including Kuumba incense, nylon jackets, button-ups, denim, hats and vests. Releasing this April 1st. Hoods Hong Kong No. 12 On Lan Street Central, Hong Kong p: 852.2162.8009

With WTAPS concept shop Hoods Hong Kong created in association with Neighborhood on the horizon, select pieces from WTAPS' 2008 spring collection titled "Extreme Prejudice" has begun to drop. The pieces include accessories such as beanies and hats to compliment an array of shirts. Available now at Cliffedge.

A lot of talk has surrounded WTAPS lately with their new store in Hong Kong as well as their new website which has launched on the worldwide web. The latest to drop from their Sprin '08 collection is this collaboration key holder with Mamoru Takashi's jewelry brand, Wolf's Head. This handmade piece will feature gems intricately placed on the outer side while the inner side will have Wolf's Head, WTAPS and Blackflag branding. This item is now available only at Blackflag. Source: Bobos Shop

School of Hard Knocks has just released a new baseball tee t-shirt. Available in two styles, the design comes on the backs of inspirations derived from Tetsu Nishiyama (of WTAPS and his column over at Japanese publication, Huge Magazine. Available for select members over at Zozomesse.

Every season, brands in Japan including Stussy, Supreme and Neighborhood would put out their collection catalogs which a lot of people actually buy because you get to see what's coming from the brand as well as read about interviews about the designers behind the brand. The latest to be released is the WTAPS 2008 Spring/Summer "Extreme Prejudice" catalog which is now available at official WTAPS dealers. They are limited so if you're a fan of WTAPS, get them now before they're gone.

Coinciding with the launch of their brand new website, WTAPS has provided a look at their 2008 collection titled "Extreme Prejudice". A few pieces to highlight for the new collection include a collaborative helmet with good friend NUTS which will be available exclusively at Blackflag Tokyo, Tiger camo M-65 and vest, John Smedly x WTAPS sweater and a Gore-Tex Sherpa jacket. Details regarding each piece can be seen within the lookbook can be found here. The new site also goes on to discuss WTAPS' brand philosophy and a list of retailers worldwide.

"Placing Things Where They Should Be" represents the personal design philosophy of WTAPS founder Tetsu Nishiyama. In association with Tetsu's latest project Hoods, his personal statement is captured on a special exhibition tee. The faded army green features a statement on the front and back. The t-shirt is currently available for pre-order only at Hoods Hong Kong with a release date set for after the conclusion of the Previously Opening exhibition, March 24th. The t-shirt's price tips the scales at a staggering $1699 HKD (approximately $218 USD).

In an ongoing special collection for honeyee.com magazine, Volume 4 of the magazine is marked by WTAPS as the latest brand to collaborate with the leading Japanese lifestyle site. Their jungle shirt features dual patches featuring Honeyee and Militia while the rear is printed with a modified Honeyee bones logo. The shirt is available only through Honeyee Store.

On March 13th, the Japanese brand, WTAPS, will launch their new website. Traditionally, top tier street brands have been reluctant or slow to launch their presence online but slowly that seems to be changing. It will be interesting to see what WTAPS.COM will have to offer.

Within the next few hours, two influential members of the Japanese fashion world, Tetsu Nishiyama of WTAPS and Shinsuke Takizawa of Neighborhood will open the doors to their Hoods venture. Hoods will act as a haven for both Neighborhood and WTAPS products as both brands establish themselves in their first venture outside of Japan. We recently had a chance to check out the space occupying a spot on the quaint little On Lan Street in Hong Kong's Central district. The store, much like the surrounding spaces are long and narrow and encompass multiple floors and provides a sort of equilibrium effect with its immediate neighbors BBC | Ice Cream. A special exhibition involving custom tees is on display as part of the Previously Opening Exhibition taking place tomorrow until the stores opening April 1st. Currently the only items for sale include the Hoods Hong Kong "Bombers" t-shirt, retailing for $499 HKD (approximately $64 USD).