Nike

To celebrate the beauty of cherry blossom season in Japan, Nike released the Air Force 1 Ueno Sakura in 2005. Only a limited number of pairs were made exclusively for the Japanese market, making it an ideal addition to any sneaker collection.

Named after the Ueno region of Tokyo and its famous Ueno Park, the Air Force 1 Ueno Sakura is considered one of the most coveted pairs of Japan-exclusive releases. Designed around the cherry blossom motif, the Sakura has a Light Bone suede upper and Watermelon pink outsole. The laser-etched sakura flowers on the front half of the shoe have ‘Ueno’ inscribed within the petals.

This pair, however, is unique as it is a sample. Most notable about this pair is the decision to forgo the Nike Swoosh on the upper and instead feature a single panel design. The resulting effect is a clean canvas for the laser etched flowers. 

The Air Force 1, arguably Nike’s most iconic sneaker, is in many regards, the first of its kind. Previously realized in running shoes, the introduction of Nike’s ‘Air’ technology in the midsole was a revolutionary concept for basketball sneakers. Tasked with bringing the concept to life, designer Bruce Kilgore and an aerospace engineer brought the project to fruition with a hiking boot inspired, ankle strapped, high top. Kilgore’s first basketball sneaker, the Air Force 1 was brought to market in 1982.