Japan-Exclusive Nike Air Force 1 “Daruma” Makes its Return

Dec 31, 2020

Original Story (10/23/20): Earlier this year, we saw Nike bring back the Air Jordan 1 CO.JP “Metallic Silver,” a shoe originally released in 2001 exclusively in Japan. More recently, we saw Nike bring back the Air Force 1 CO.JP “Wheat,” another Japan-exclusive from 2001. We now have images of another Japan-exclusive from the early ’00s that will be making its return, the Air Force 1 “I Believe.”

The Air Force 1 “I Believe” was released in 2002 in Japan to commemorate the FIFA World Cup that year, which took place in Japan and Korea. The “I Believe” phrase was used by fans to root for the Japan national team, while the traditional Japanese Daruma doll on the heel with its left eye filled in signified a good luck wish that Japan would win the cup. On the original release, the white leather upper featured a crosshatch pattern and a shimmery finish.

On this new version, the paint on the upper can be peeled off to reveal a red Daruma doll-themed layer underneath. The translucent gum outsole from the original release has been replaced with a clear translucent one, and the red insoles have been replaced with white insoles that feature the same “I Believe” and Daruma doll motifs found on the heels.

Grab a look at the upcoming Air Force 1 “I Believe” below and stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for news on its release.

Update (12/31/20): It appears the Air Force 1 “I Believe,” aka “Daruma,” will be a Japan exclusive once again. Releasing in celebration of the new year, catch this Air Force at Japanese retailers like atmos and Bait on January 9th, 2021. Check out their sites for further release details. Those outside of Japan can find pairs on StockX.