Original Story (01/21/22): Nike will be celebrating Japan’s Setsubun festival this year with the release of a special edition Dunk Low.
Setsubun, aka Bean-Throwing Festival, falls on the day before the start of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar. At the festival, it is customary to throw handfuls of dry soybeans to scare away demons. The Dunk Low comes in the color scheme of the 2003 atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Viotech,” with a khaki base, the same shade as soybeans, paired with light and dark brown overlays. A mini Swoosh detail appears on the toe overlay, while a purple “demon” appears on the lateral heel, matching the Swoosh and sockliner. The insoles feature an artwork from the late Edo period (1840s) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi titled 金時の節分. It depicts a child hero known as Kintarō, who will grow up to be the mighty warrior Sakata Kintoki, throwing beans at fleeing demons.
Take a first look at the Nike Dunk Low “Setsubun” below. Expect these to drop on or around Setsubun, which falls on February 3rd. Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for any updates.
Nike Dunk Low “Setsubun”
Style Code: DQ5009-268
Release Date: March 2022
Update (03/17/22): The “demon” embroidered on the heel has been revealed to be an image of Tsuno Daishi, The Great Horned Master. According to legend, Tsuno Daishi is actually Ryogen (Ganzan Daishi), the 18th priest of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism, when he transformed himself into an ogre to ward off a Yakubyo-gami (a deity of the transmission of contagious diseases). Talismans of Tsuno Daishi are placed at the entrance of homes to ward off evil spirits.
Check out official images of the Nike Dunk Low “Setsubun” below. These are expected to release in the coming weeks.
Update (03/10/22): Check out on-feet photos of the Nike Dunk Low “Setsubun” below, courtesy of Yankee Kicks. These are expected to drop this month. Also check out the accompanying “7 Lucky Gods” Dunk High Up, dropping in the US next week.
Update (02/15/22): A closer look at the “Setsubun” Nike Dunk Low reveals a “cracked” texture throughout the base of the upper. Check out the photos below.
First look photo via pvasneakers:
Utagawa Kuniyoshi “Kintoki Throwing Beans at Fleeing Demons” via Museum of Fine Arts Boston:
