
These kicks pay homage to everything from the humble convenience store through to Netflix and even the old-school iMac G3.
We’ve seen some awesome sneakers in Japan that honour local icons like Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and even kimono textiles loved by samurai, but now there’s an artist who’s expanding our horizons with a series of designs that celebrate the beauty of the everyday.
These new illustrations, by artist and Twitter user @mitiruxxx, show that anything is possible when it comes to sneaker design. Kicking of the range is a shoe that pays homage to Akabako (“Red Box”) Beauty Soap, a product used by a huge number of households across Japan, and well-known for its distinctive red-box packaging, cow logo, and milky white colour.
▼ These shoes will make you feel like you’ve just washed your feet in soap.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sneakers that scream “Japan”, as there’s also a design dedicated to Pom juice, a locally produced mikan fruit drink that’s been on the market since 1952.
Another Japanese product worth celebrating is Shingen Mochi, a traditional sweet from Yamanashi Prefecture popularised by Kikyouya, a confectionery store founded in 1889.
Kikyouya’s Shingen Mochi is so popular it’s even available as a 7-Eleven ice cream and a Japanese KitKat flavour, which come packaged in the sweet’s distinctive bellflower design.
Calorie Mate energy bars are another household name in Japan, boasting benefits that can be read about on the packaging of the bar and in this case, the shoe box.
Even the humble roll of cling wrap (a.k.a. saran wrap) looks awesome as a shoe design.
One of our favourites is the 7-Eleven sneaker, which would no doubt sell out in minutes if it were to ever become available.
Suntory Mineral Water is another popular staple that promises to satiate not only our physical thirst but our figurative thirst for unusual sneakers.
This particular design caught the attention of Suntory Mineral Water, who retweeted it on their official Twitter account with the message: “W..want! Fresh and vibrant, with a refreshing, cool feeling. Thanks for the awesome design!”
ほ、ほしい…!
— サントリー天然水 (@suntory_tennen) July 14, 2020
ひんやりと冷涼感あって、みずみずしい💧
素敵なデザイン、ありがとうございます! https://t.co/H4Hkw9L0Vo
Japan isn’t the only inspiration for @mitiruxxx’s sneaker design collection, however, as there’s also a couple that pay homage to the old-school iMac G3.
And rounding off the collection is a shoe for Netflix — a head-turner with its bold red-and-black design.
The so-called “fictitious sneaker” collection has attracted a lot of attention online, with people desperate to get their hands on — or should we say ‘feet in’ — the collection in real life.
#作品を見て下さいあわよくばフォローしてください祭
— ミチル (@mitiruxxx) July 18, 2020
架空のスニーカー量産してます pic.twitter.com/RWoNzVy6o7
While there’s no news yet on whether the collection will actually become available in real-life in future, you can stay up-to-date with all the latest developments on the designer’s Twitter account.
With big names like Nike teaming up with designers to make their dream ideas a reality, here’s hoping the same thing happens for @mitriruxxx…because we really want to be able to say we own a pair of 7-Elevens.
Source: Twitter/@mitiruxxx
Featured image: Twitter/@mitiruxxx
Insert images: Twitter/@mitiruxxx (1, 2, 3, 4)
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!












Hello Kitty gets a new job — this time appearing on Converse sneakers!
Kimono with sneakers? Why not, says Osaka fashion retailer 【Photos】
Sakura cherry blossoms and a Japanese-style great wave feature on new sneakers from Saucony
12 tabi split-toe sneakers to add a ninja flair to your casual everyday wear
Japanese takoyaki chain brings out sneakers with fun food details
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Stay at a hotel with a bed for your plushie in Japan
Japan’s Rabbit Island in danger of becoming Boar Island, tourists asked to follow feeding rules
Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
Visiting Japan’s muscular mascot character dog at his free museum near Kansai International Airport
Best burger in Tokyo? JB’s serves up a cheap craft burger that not a lot of people know about
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Body of missing foreign tourist in Japan found floating off coast of town he was last seen in
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Nike Air Mo’ Money sneakers with Japanese text and yen symbols are the coolest kicks around
Sakura sneakers, in three different varieties, now on sale from Nike 【Photos】
Yakiniku sneakers from Japan let you wear your love for meat on your feet
New cherry blossom sneakers from Nike feature real images of sakura in five awesome designs
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Ramen sneakers from Japanese noodle chain serve up tasty ingredients in the details
Reebok releases limited edition Instapump Fury Road sneakers to celebrate upcoming Godzilla movie
New Adidas Hachiko sneakers pay homage to Shibuya’s famous loyal dog
Onitsuka Tiger now sells Shinkansen sneakers that cost more than a trip on the bullet train
Nike’s new anime mecha sneakers look Gundam awesome【Video, photos】
Ninja-themed sneakers are the perfect footwear for the contemporary shadow assassin
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Air Wagashi: New Nike Air Max sneakers are the delicious kicks we’ve all been waiting for
Reebok teams up with fashion brand Yoshiokubo for traditional-culture-inspired sneakers
Urusei Yatsura and Onitsuka Tiger team up for anime/real-world crossover sneakers【Video】
Nike releases izakaya sneakers in Japan【Photos】
Puma’s newest Japanese shoes feature beautiful designs from traditional Japanese playing cards