mita sneakers
mita sneakers is a sneaker retailer in the Ameyoko market of Ueno, Tokyo, and a pioneer of Japanese sneaker culture. It is known worldwide for collaborations with brands such as Nike, ASICS, New Balance and Mizuno.
| Location | Ameyoko, Ueno, Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kozaburo Mita |
| Creative director | Shigeyuki Kunii |
| Became a sneaker store | 1980s |
| Website | mita-sneakers.co.jp |
What is mita sneakers?
mita sneakers is a specialist sneaker store located in the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno, Taito, Tokyo. It has become one of the best known names in Japanese sneaker culture through its long run of collaborative and special order models.
History
The Mita family's business began with leather toe covers for zori and geta sandals in Nezu, Bunkyo. Kozaburo Mita later opened Mita Shoten in Ameyoko. Sneakers were added in the 1980s and soon outsold sandals, and the shop became a dedicated sneaker store, first as Sneaker no Mita and later as mita sneakers.
Products and positioning
Creative director Shigeyuki Kunii, who joined in the 1990s, has led the store's collaborations. Notable projects include:
- Nike's Ueno City Attack series, including the Air Force 1 "SAKURA"
- New Balance MT580 with HECTIC
- ASICS GEL-LYTE III and GEL-LYTE V "TRICO"
- Mizuno WAVE RIDER 1 "NO BORDER" and a Givenchy sneaker project
The store has also worked with Reebok, adidas and A Bathing Ape on collaborative releases.
Distribution
mita sneakers has deliberately kept its focus on Ueno rather than opening branches elsewhere, while selling to international customers online.
Why it matters
mita sneakers demonstrates how an independent retailer can shape global product through collaboration, giving Japanese sneaker culture a voice in the design of major brands' releases.
Frequently asked questions
Where is mita sneakers?
mita sneakers is in the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno, Taito, Tokyo.
What is mita sneakers known for?
It is known for collaborative sneakers with brands such as Nike, ASICS, New Balance and Mizuno.