The theatrical version of the basketball manga Slam Dunk has been released and has gained immense popularity in Asia.
It was popular in Japan in the 1990s as a manga and anime. In Japanese schools, there are sports club activities, and basketball was gaining popularity surpassing the popular sports of baseball and soccer. (many of my friends joined the basketball club because of Slam Dunk)
As a result, basketball became more familiar in Japanese society, and basketball shoes became also popular. In particular, Air Max 95 gained popularity, especially because it was favored by a Japanese celebrity, and its availability became scarce. The market price skyrocketed to 150,000 yen (1,500 USD, assuming 1 USD = 100 yen).
By this situation, some individuals started to personal imports, visiting American sports shops and buying up their warehouse inventory. Furthermore, influenced by the prestige of Air Max, incidents occurred where Japanese street gangs targeted people wearing Air Max shoes and engaged in robbery. The situation escalated to the point where it was called “Air Max Hunting” in newspaper headlines.
Those who owned Air Max felt uneasy walking in the city, so they had to go through great efforts such as changing their shoes in the restroom before getting off at the station.
In Japan, there are “izakaya”, which are similar to bars, where shoes are also prohibited just like in Japanese homes. Shoe lockers are provided there as well. However, due to sneaker thefts by this situation, lockable shoe lockers have started to provide for customers, and this practice continues to this day.
Even now, Air Max 95 remains popular. Those who were young and couldn’t afford it at the time buy them. When we see the shoes, it reminds the people of Japan of the mysterious fervor of that time
