Following his high-profile collaboration with Jun Takahashi of UNDERCOVER, Japanese streetwear icon Nigo unveils the latest Nike Air Force 1, this time with BTS star j-hope bringing his youthful, fashion-forward energy to the project.

Nigo, founder of the renowned streetwear brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and Creative Director of KENZO, is one of the legendary figures of streetwear culture in Japan and around the world. When looking for inspiration for the Air Force 1 World Tour, Nigo’s motto has always been to “expect the unexpected.” This time, the unexpected is his kindred bond with j-hope.
Born from mutual admiration, their relationship has developed into a creative collaboration built on refined taste, artistry, and distinctive design. Their two streetwear personalities come together and are brought to life through a vibrant interpretation of the 2001 Air Force 1, a model that Nigo and Nike’s designers revived for his multi-season Air Force 1 journey.

Inspired by both of their creative worlds, the sneaker makes a strong visual impression with a glossy enamel-leather upper in striking Burnt Sunrise and Metallic Gold tones. Contrasting Chlorine Blue lines give the overall design an even bolder edge, while uniquely patterned laces and j-hope’s signature squirrel emblem embody his lively energy and “hobicore” personality.
On the classic Air Force 1 silhouette, nostalgia for 1990s Tokyo and the modern, youthful spirit of the global star come together in a way that is subtle and highly artistic.

More than the coming together of two major names, the success of the collaboration also comes from the compatibility between j-hope’s personal image and the design spirit of the product. Under Nigo’s creative reinterpretation, the sneaker not only fully celebrates j-hope’s free-spirited fashion personality, but also becomes proof of the ability to seamlessly balance classic streetwear with fashion-forward thinking.

Despite an age difference of as much as 23 years, with j-hope now 32 and Nigo 55, the two have made an impression over the years with their close bond as kindred spirits and their deep respect for one another. At the end of 2025, they created a stir when they joined forces on the “HUMAN HOPE” collection under Nigo’s HUMAN MADE brand.
In the middle of this year, j-hope also took the time to visit the NIGO: From Japan with Love exhibition at the Design Museum in London, clear evidence of the enduring bond between two leading icons of fashion and streetwear culture.

Courtesy of Nike.

Nigo and J-Hope Bring Explosive Energy to the Nike Air Force 1 World Tour

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Nigo and J-Hope Bring Explosive Energy to the Nike Air Force 1 World Tour

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