Takashi Murakami has long been a fixture in the streetwear and sneaker scene, with many big name collaborations under his belt. The iconic Japanese artist is now officially launching his latest solo venture, Ohana Hatake, a first-of-its-kind independent footwear brand led by an artist.
Earlier this year, Murakami gave us a preview of his new brand with the launch of the Ohana Full-Bloom, an injected EVA foam slide featuring the artist’s signature flower motif. The slide was made available in “Island Green” and “Blazing Yellow,” as well as in a black/pink color combo in collaboration with K-pop girl group BLACKPINK.
Ohana Full-Bloom Slides by Takashi Murakami 💚 pic.twitter.com/HyH5fxqDj0
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After testing the market, Murakami has decided to fully launch his new brand, announcing the launch of new “Apricot” and “Raspberry Rose” colorways of the Ohana Full-Bloom as well unveiling a second silhouette, the Surippa Ohana. This new silhouette is Murakami’s own spin on the traditional Japanese house slipper, also crafted from soft EVA foam, featuring a rubber outsole with Murakami’s unmistakable artwork carved into the rubber tread.
The Surippa Ohana will make its debut at ComplexCon Las Vegas with an early release of the “Rust” colorway, which pays homage to the color of Murakami’s KaiKai Kiki studio team slide. Exclusive colorways of the Ohana Full-Bloom will also be available at the event.
According to Murakami, the name Ohana Matake, which translates to “field of flowers,” was inspired by the use of the flower motif in the Japanese manga series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
“The great mage, Flamme, teaches the main character, Frieren, a spell that doesn’t seem particularly useful yet is deeply cherished — the spell to create a field of flowers,” explains Murakami. “There is an episode which shows how using this spell had led Frieren to encounter the hero Himmel. Watching this scene in the anime, I was moved to tears, and I felt gratified by my long dedication to the flower motif in my artwork.”
The Ohana Full-Bloom in “Apricot” and “Raspberry Rose” are now available via raffle on the brand’s website ohanahatake.com, with entries accepted until Friday, November 15th at 1pm ET. More releases to come in the following weeks. Check out the pics below.
Ohana Full-Bloom “Apricot”
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Price: $120 USD
Ohana Full-Bloom “Raspberry Rose”
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Price: $120 USD
