Konami Cross Media NY, Inc. has officially announced a major collaboration with NIKE, launching a new collection that blends iconic anime energy with classic sneaker culture. The partnership brings to life the NIKE Air Max 95 QS YGO, inspired by Kazuki Takahashi’s Yu-Gi-Oh! universe, alongside a striking apparel line that fuses sport and style.
Athletes of a Different Kind
According to Konami Cross Media NY’s Senior VP of Licensing and Marketing, Jennifer Coleman, the NIKE x Yu-Gi-Oh! collab does more than just celebrate fandom: it redefines what it means to be an athlete. “The passion, care, and attention to detail NIKE brought to this Yu-Gi-Oh! collaboration has been extraordinary,” said Coleman.
“Their unique vision of Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and fans as athletes—combined with NIKE’s iconic marketing, footwear, and apparel design—will redefine how our audience connects with their favorite characters, especially Joey Wheeler.”
NIKE’s Sr. Director of Neighborhood Merchandise, Dave Vericker, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the inspiration anime brings to the sports world. “We know that athletes draw inspiration from extraordinary sources in the video games they play and the anime they watch. This lore was born organically from the community.”
Nike x Yu-Gi-Oh! Sneaker Details and Global Drop
The NIKE Air Max 95 QS YGO arrives in two colorways: the globally available “Joey” colorway and the Japan-exclusive “Jonouchi” edition. Each pair is designed to capture the heart of Yu-Gi-Oh! while staying true to the technical excellence of the Air Max series. Accompanying apparel completes the head-to-toe fit.
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Both sneaker versions drop on September 12 at SNKRS and select retail partners, while Japanese fans can score the exclusive drop at participating stores in Japan.
Are you copping the “Joey” colorway or tracking down the Japan-exclusive “Jonouchi”? Do collabs like this one elevate anime culture or just scratch the surface? Which Yu-Gi-Oh! character deserves their own NIKE next? Drop your thoughts in the comments or @me.
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