Takashi Murakami Officially Launches His Independent Footwear Brand
Following a soft launch beginning in the spring, Takashi Murakami is now going full force ahead with his independent footwear brand.
The previously unnamed enterprise is called Ohana Hatake, and its formal debut brings a wider release for the Ohana Full-Bloom slide that previously dropped in limited numbers. Ohana Hatake is also debuting a sleeker slide model known as the Surippa Ohanna.
“The underlying concept in all of my work is to explore happiness through artistic creation,” Murakami said in a press release. “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 Ohana Full-Bloom features a massive strap in the shape of the Japanese artist’s signature flower motif and is molded with a comfortable and durable EVA foam. The Surippa Ohanna makes use of the same material but with a streamlined upper featuring three holes for ventilation. Murakami’s flower is then sculpted onto the side in more subtle fashion.
Murakami, who has long found embrace among sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts, partnered with Violet ST to help form his new enterprise. The Ohana Full-Bloom previously released in three colorways through the Complex Shop, one of which was made in collaboration with the K-pop group BlackPink.
Two new colorways for the Ohana Full-Bloom, “Raspberry Rose” and “Apricot” are available to purchase now on Ohana Hatake’s website through a drawing that will close Friday, November 15. The Surippa Ohana will then get its first release in “Rust” this weekend exclusively at ComplexCon in Las Vegas. Additional releases will follow in the coming weeks on Ohana Hatake’s website, and a new global retailer will begin selling its footwear in December prior to an even wider rollout in 2025 with more models to come.
Pricing for the Ohana Full-Bloom is set at $120, while the Surippa Ohana’s has yet to be announced.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.