As a part of the brand’s 9BOX series, New Balance has released a new graphic T-shirt collection in collaboration with Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045. The items went on sale November 12, and to commemorate the release, a Tachikoma from the series has arrived at New Balance Harajuku! For those who may not have seen the series, a Tachikoma is an AI tank prominently featured in the Ghost in the Shell universe.    

T-Shirt

Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Collaboration Sticker

Picture Frame

    Motoko Kusanagi, the main character of the series, perfectly exemplifies the New Balance brand, which promotes ‘fearless independence.’ Five new t-shirt designs are now available, all drawn by Ilya Kuvshinov, the character designer for Ghost in the Shell SAC-2045. The collection is available at official New Balance stores nationwide, as well as the online store and participating ABC Marts. Those who purchase items from the collection will receive a collaboration sticker, and a special picture frame will be available on the New Balance official store app NB Shop.    New Balance’s flagship store in Harajuku is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year and was the backdrop for the cover of Rolling Stone Japan to promote the collaboration. Fans of the anime series shouldn’t miss out on these stylish threads!

Trend-leading fashion brand AAPE has announced a new collaboration collection with classic sports brand NEW BALANCE. The collaboration will be both sporty and trendy.     The collaboration pays homage to classic street culture, with camouflage prints and the stylish NEW BALANCE logo colored using earth tones. Based on the 703 sneaker, the mountain trail running shoes have a military vibe while offering maximum comfort and durability. The collection also includes a selection of durable and flexible outdoor clothing, with jackets and utility trousers. AAPE's new spliced camouflage print brings out the practical look even further. You can also pick up some practical gear such as fishing hats and thick mountain socks.  The collaboration items will be available from September 25 at AAPE STORES in Harajuku, Shibuya, Hankyu Men's Tokyo, Osaka, and Lake Town. Be sure to check out this aesthetic and functional collaboration! 

AKB48’s new single Nemohamo Rumor has been making waves with its catchy beat and incredible choreography. The group’s first new single in a year and a half, members Nana Okada, Yui Oguri, Hitomi Honda, and others are performing the track in a new web commercial for New Balance 327 sneakers! The CM is available on ABC Mart’s official website, as well as AKB48’s official YouTube channel.    To commemorate the release of the new commercial, 48 lucky people will receive a purchase bonus, including an original photo card and snapbook in a new app lottery campaign. A special pop-up will also be held on the second floor of ABC-MART GRAND STAGE Ginza starting September 23, 2021.   

 

ABC-MART GRAND STAGE Ginza 2F Special Pop-Up

Participating AKB48 Members

   

Behind-the-Scenes

While the choreography for Nemohamo Rumor is incredibly complex and demanding, the members didn’t show a single sign of exhaustion or fatigue during shooting, instead happily chatting with each other and commenting on each other’s performance the entire time. As we checked the footage, we were incredibly impressed by how the shoes looked as they performed. 

A new color has been added to the New Balance 237 collection, a modern sneaker which debuted in 2021, inspired by the 1980s New Balance models 420, 1300, and Gator. The 237 was released following the release of the popular 327 in 2020. The fresh and modern design is combined with a retro twist - The upper combines a variation of materials, while the tongue is cut and the outsole is rolled. The design also features the same 70s motifs as the 327, with a large N logo and notched eyelets making a huge impact on the sneaker. The retro design is versatile and easy to style.   Plus, dance-rock band 'DISH//,' a band that continues to grow and refine their activities, have featured in a must-see new visual wearing the brand-new 237 shoes! Be sure to check it out.  

Singer, actor, and model Takumi Kitamura has been crowned Japan’s first-ever ambassador for the Tommy Hilfiger brand. The popular talent is now being featured in promotional content for the FALL 2021 menswear collection.

The Tommy Hilfiger brand has roots in the world of music, and this collaboration is meant to celebrate Takumi Kitamura’s leadership of the popular band DISH//, and his genuine efforts to make a meaningful contribution to his community. Recently, the musician offered his music free to students who had been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tommy Hilfiger brand began a new campaign for positive social change in spring, called the ‘Moving Forward Together’ campaign, and Kitamura embodies the spirit of the new initiative.   Tommy Hilfiger himself commented on the new ambassador. “I’m incredibly thrilled to feature Mr. Kitamura in the FALL 2021 collection. We love Japan, and we love Japanese fans. This collaboration will allow us to pay tribute to Japan’s unique culture, while also expressing Mr. Kitamura’s thoughts on community in a modern way.”   The FALL 2021 menswear collection blends classic American heritage with the great outdoors. The color palette combines amber yellows and bold orange shades with simple neutrals like olive, camel, and heather gray.   Takumi Kitamura is now featured in campaign visuals and commercials in shops around Japan and abroad, as well as on the online store. A special website has also been launched to commemorate this momentous collaboration. New visuals will continue to be released until the end of the season, so be sure to check regularly!   A Twitter campaign will also be held on the official Tommy Hilfiger Japan account, using the hashtag #TOMMYXTAKUMI. By following the account (@TommyHilfigerJP) and retweeting the relevant tweet, five lucky people will win one of the looks modeled by Mr. Kitamura.  

Comment from Takumi Kitamura

“I’m Takumi Kitamura, and I’m honored to announce that I have been chosen as a brand ambassador for the historic Tommy Hilfiger brand. While shooting the visuals for the FALL 2021 collection, there were a number of combinations that surprised me! Hopefully, I can convey plenty of Tommy Hilfiger’s character through this collaboration. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”     Be sure to check out Takumi Kitamura rocking these new autumn looks!

Since their creation in 1988, the 996-model sneaker has been one of New Balance’s most popular models. This month, the 996 will be reborn as the New Balance Standard, with the same comfortable feel and some minor changes to the logo. In the new campaign, Natsume Mito, Saki Shibata, Fumiko Aoyagi, and Shiho Takechi will be modeling the new shoes, each in a sleek new color. The photos are meant to depict women living their daily lives with positivity, as they did in 1988 and as they do today.   The 996 model sneakers are the third model in the 99X series. Released in 1988 as a running shoe meant to be used on paved surfaces, its comfort and design has made it a best-seller among both men and women.   Will you be grabbing a pair of these updated kicks?