Nike Celebrates Japan's Setsubun Festival With Special-Edition Dunk Low
Featuring Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s “Kintoki Throwing Beans at Fleeing Demon” artwork.
Setsubun, the first day of spring in Japan’s old calendar, is celebrated annually with a number of traditions aimed at driving away the bad fortune and spirits of the previous year.
The main ritual of Setsubun is “mameki, translating to “bean scattering,” in which roasted soybeans are thrown either out the door or at family members wearing oni demon masks.
Newly surfaced images tease a Nike Dunk Low sneaker dedicated to the age-old festival day. The pairs come in shades of khaki throughout the suede and leather uppers with “Viotech” accents on the lateral Swooshes and Nike-horned ogre mask motifs on the lateral heel.
The inner lining displays bright purple, and insoles feature “Kintoki Throwing Beans at Fleeing Demons” artwork from fabled ukiyo-e artist, Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Kuniyoshi’s works were first seen on a Nike sneaker last year, appearing on a limited-edition Air More Uptempo. Below a white midsole and semi-translucent gum outsoles complete the pairs.
As Setsubun is celebrated on February 3, it’s expected the pairs will arrive in the coming weeks via Nike SNKRS. Stay tuned for more release details.
Elsewhere in footwear, take a first look at the sacai x Nike Cortez.
