ASICS and Eldresso collaborate! The whole story and behind-the-scenes manufacturing.

The parties involved talk about the history and aims of the collaboration.

How did this collaboration come about? What are the thoughts behind each product? We spoke with Ryo Ohori of ASICS, who leads the project, and TARZAN AQZAWA of Eldresso.

Left: TARZAN AQZAWA, designer of "Eldresso" Right: Ryo Ohori, Apparel Equipment Division of "ASICS

Why did the two parties join forces?

Q. How did you start this collaboration in the first place?

Large moat:It all started about two years ago. Our Global Design Department hosts a Creative Kickoff at the start of each season, and we have a hearing session to listen to the opinions of people from various fields, and AQZAWA was invited to participate.

AQZAWA:. it was the time when the spread of the new corona infection had just begun. I had a chance to talk online about my views on the appeal of running and the culture and fashion associated with running.

Large moat:After repeated correspondence with Mr. AQZAWA, we both agreed that we would like to do something together, and this is roughly how the collaboration came to be.

AQZAWA:When I was approached about the collaboration, I was sincerely surprised . To be honest, I was skeptical at first (laughs). (Laughs.) I wondered, "Is the world-famous "ASICS" really going to work with us? I wondered.

Large moat:About two years have passed since then. . It took some time, but we managed to bring it to fruition.

A former competitor talks about the appeal of ASICS.

AQZAWA: What kind of brand is "ASICS" to you? Please tell us about any episodes you have experienced.

AQZAWA:. I was a serious track and field athlete as a student. I competed in long-distance running. ASICS was very special to me at the time, and I loved using them myself.

One of the most memorable moments for me was when I competed in a 5,000-meter track meet in my junior year of high school. I wore Asics spikes and set a good time. This caught the attention of the Kokushikan University track and field club, who asked me to join their team, and I was able to advance to the university. So, for me, "ASICS" spikes are the shoes that paved the way for my life, and I have many fond memories of them.

Large moat:Thank you . Nice story.

AQZAWA:Actually, I went all the way back to my parents' house in Gunma to pick up the spike, thinking I would introduce it in this interview. However, no matter how hard I looked for them, I could not find them. I thought it was strange, so I checked with my parents and found out that they had thrown them away without my permission. I wish I could have shown you the spikes I had back then. Ah, it's so frustrating (laughs).

I'm sorry to hear that. Did you wear shoes other than spikes at that time?

AQZAWA:Of course . . I used to wear "ASICS" jogging shoes for my daily practice. Tasers" and "Skysensors" and so on. Asics shoes were extremely reliable even back then.

And I still love wearing Asics running shoes. I ran the Tokyo Marathon in March of this year wearing "Metaspeed Sky" shoes and beat my personal best time.

I never thought that after such a long time, I would end up collaborating with "ASICS". I can't help but feel a strange connection.

What we want to convey through collaboration.

AQZAWA: Please tell us about the production process of this collaborative collection. When this project first started, what kind of design image did you have in your mind?

AQZAWA:I am quick to come up with a plan. I don't worry too much and just go with it. So for this project, too, I thought it would be better if I didn't have to come up with a twist, so I came up with a straightforward and simple design on the spur of the moment.

Large moat:I was surprised at how quickly AQZAWA came back with a sketch a couple of days after our meeting. We must learn from his speed.

AQZAWA:. In the end, it seems that the initial image has taken shape almost exactly as it was.

Large moat:Yes, the design by AQZAWA is highly regarded within the company and I am personally very satisfied with the finished product.

What are the expectations of both ASICS and Eldresso for each other, and what would you like to convey to users?

Large moat:. In this collaboration, I hope that we can utilize each other's strengths while complementing each other in areas where we do not have each other's strengths. We hope that people who like Eldresso will learn more about ASICS, and we would like to convey the appeal of Eldresso to people who are regular users of ASICS. That is my hope.

AQZAWA:I feel the same way. Running is not only a sport, but also a culture for us. I hope that through this collaboration, we can convey the fun of running as a culture to as many people as possible.