In April of this year, legendary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami launched his footwear design with the Ohana Full-Bloom. This slip-on foam slide used his flower motif front and center. After a handful of releases of colorways, one even in collaboration with K-pop group BLACKPINK, Murakami has officially announced the launch of his footwear brand, Ohana Hatake, teasing new colorways of the Full-Bloom and a new model.
Speaking with Highsnobiety, Murakami explains that the concept that runs through all of his work is to “explore happiness through artistic creation.” Continuing, he stated, “In a country that, as a war-defeated nation, cannot claim full autonomy and independence, I am pursuing an expression that explores the very relationship between American and Japanese cultures. I would love it if those who wear these sandals could sense how this team managed to craft something wonderful out of my quirky, off-the-mark ideas.”
The brand’s name, Ohana Hatake, translates to “field of flowers,” playing off the iconic motifs that Murakami has become famous for. This rings true for the already-released Ohana Full-Bloom silhouette, launched in two new colorways to commemorate the brand’s launch. However, previews of a new slide can be seen in campaign photos. The slides come in a more traditional construction, similar to the Crocs Mellow Recovery Slide, with openings near the toe and midfoot for breathability. Murakami infuses his floral design onto the slip-on, adding the logo to the sidewall of the sole unit.
As mentioned earlier, Murakami is celebrating the official launch of his Ohana Hatake brand with two colorways of the Ohana Full-Bloom, one in Apricot and the other in Raspberry Rose. The drawing for both pairs ends on November 15, 2024, with both retailing for $120. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Murakami
Ohana Full-Bloom Apricot
Ohana Full-Bloom Raspberry Rose
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
