RTHQ Guide to Japanese Sneaker Magazines

Sneaker headz, largely thanks to the Internet, are pretty switched on to how big sneakers are in Japan. Whilst numerous sites give an insight into what’s being released in Japan, a magazine, for me at least, seems to offer that little bit extra. Thankfully, the Japanese passion for sneakers is reflected by the large number of magazines that feature, and are even dedicated to the cause. There is a level of detail in these magazines that is unmatched. Whilst their are quite a few ads, like any magazine, all the photographs and articles represent the topic at hand in intricate, loving detail. Many of the magazines feature extensive retrospectives, latest limited editions, and all the colourways you could imagine. Here are some that are worth checking....

Boon - long since recognised by those after the inside scoop as top of their game. Sneakers feature heavily, but space is leant to brands hot in Harajuku, jewellery and strange assortment of depilatory advertisements and the truly bizarre bum of the month. The Tokyo Tribe comic is in each edition. The oddest article I’ve come across is the one which tabulated which cigarette brands various Japanese celebrities preferred and what alcohol they like to drink. Various extras have included Stussy stickers, Tokyo Tribe stickers and a BAPE x Pepsi handkerchief.

Boon Special editions - There have been a couple of Boon special editions dedicated to both Nike and Jordan. The Japan Centre in London still has some of these at the time of writing (August 2002).

Kickstyle - Published by Boon, this is dedicated to sneakers. Very lavishly produced with wonderful photographs. Covers the big, and not so big, brand names. Great for seeing what is ahead. Two issues so far and again, Hiroshi features.

Street Jack - This focuses on what people are wearing on the streets of Harajuku. Featuring photos of people, stats of which shoes and brands are hot etc. Like most of the magazines, most of the photos seem to be taken outside The Gap - can’t they take photos elsewhere? Features tend to cover the secondary market and how to avoid fakes etc.

Sneaker Jack - Published by Street Jack, this isn't as slick as the Boon Specials, but every bit as obsessive. The latest one featured a great retrospective of both dunks and AF1s.

Popeye - Again, like a mix of both Boon and Street Jack; often the brand owners/designers feature in the spreads. A notable recent gift was the BAPE x Popeye footbed.

Asayan - often featuring Hiroshi Fujiwara, this is where you see pics of the latest thing he is involved in eg H(iroshi)TM Nikes. This seems to be aimed at readers older than that of Boon. Other articles tend to feature home furnishings, wrestling and ads for strange looking medical procedures.

If you have even the slightest obsessive streak on a topic there will be a Japanese magazine for it (even collecting Starbuck’s memorabilia - yeah its true) - I implore you just to try out one and see if you don’t go back for more........
 

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