Year Of Onitsuka Tiger: A First Look At The Brand’s New Zodiac Project - Men's Folio
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Year Of Onitsuka Tiger: A First Look At The Brand’s New Zodiac Project

  • By Men's Folio

Year Of Onitsuka Tiger: A First Look At The Brand’s New Project To Commemorate The Zodiac Symbol
Onitsuka Tiger releases a special collection with Japanese illustrator Yasushi Nirasawa as part of its first iteration of the ‘Year Of Onituka Tiger’ project to commemorate the zodiac’s year of the tiger. 

It is simply in the name. As if the stars aligned for this special announcement, Onitsuka Tiger invites you to ring in the new year with a year-long series of special collaborations in celebration of the year of the Tiger — which comes only once every 12 years. The malevolent symbol of the tiger motif is first reimagined by famed Japanese illustrator, designer and model maker Yasushi Nirasawa who is known for his genius in heteromorphy. 

Year Of Onitsuka Tiger: A First Look At The Brand’s New Project To Commemorate The Zodiac Symbol
Two creatures are revealed in this collection – the Onitsuka Tiger Man in Blue and Red, each featuring patterns inspired by the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes. The Tiger Man in blue is dressed in a contrasting acid green stripe pattern, while the Tiger Man in Red displays a warmer brown stripe motif.


The results of this first collaboration are edgy, contemporary streetwear necessities that blend artistry with modernity. The varieties in the collection were kept streamlined in approachable styles to naturally provide the healthy balance in one’s outfit. We’d recommend pairing these items with a pair of cigarette jeans and the brand’s iconic statement sneakers. 


And it just gets more exciting. The brand has also enlisted figure modeller Takayuki Takeya to create a one-of-a-kind figure of the mentioned Nirasawa model tased on his 3D illustrations — although it is unfortunately priceless and not for sale. You may, however, view these figures in Onitsuka Tiger’s flagship stores in Omotesando and other locations worldwide.

The collaboration will launch on 7 January in Singapore at the brand’s Ngee Ann City boutique, as well as its online store.

Once you’re done with this story about the Year Of Onitsuka Tiger project with Japanese illustrator Yasushi Nirasawa , click here to catch up with our December/January 2022 issue!