Rui Hachimura's 'Black Samurai' sneaker and apparel collab collection with Jordan Brand is on fire

Japanese NBA star and Washington Wizards power forward Rui Hachimura and Jordan Brand have released a collection of sweaters, shirts and footwear inspired by Hachimura's Japanese roots.

The now sold-out Rui Hachimura x Jordan Brand collection, called “Black Samurai,” is Hachimura’s first full collection with the company. The Nike-produced line features four pieces of apparel and two pairs of sneakers. All of the items feature the kanji-inspired logo designed by Hachimura for his Jordan Brand partnership, which was announced in 2019.

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“Born in Japan with Benin heritage, Rui Hachimura grew up with all the challenges that come with living as biracial in a homogeneous culture,” according to Nike's website. “When he immigrated to the United States, Rui became inspired by the range of American culture and really began thriving in finding his own identity."

“Now, through sharing his journey from Japan to America to the league, he wants to empower others to find themselves, and to find pride and hope within their differences,” the company added.

The new collection, which was released on Nike Snkrs on May 23, offers two pairs of sneakers – Air Jordan 8 Black Samurai and Jordan Series SE 01 Black Samurai – bearing Hachimura’s “H” logo on their tongues. 

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The Air Jordan 8 Black Samurai sneakers come with “textured Twine-colored suede inspired by Japanese textile craft, special insole graphics, and Japanese characters on the tongue and inside label,” while the Jordan Series SE 01 Black Samurai sneakers have “Japanese-inspired textured textiles, special insole graphics, and a Black and Gym Red makeup.”

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On the apparel side, the Black Samurai collection has two T-shirt choices and two crewneck designs to choose from.

“Bring the heat in this cozy apparel collection, with graphics and details inspired by Rui Hachimura,” Nike said. “Rui is the first Japanese player to be picked in Round 1 of the NBA draft, opening the door for more athletes to follow. The Kanji-inspired logo was designed by his mother, honoring the family name and Rui’s spirit on the court."

The special Air Jordan 8 sneakers cost $225, while the Jordan Series SE 01 sneakers cost $80. The collection’s T-shirts and crewnecks cost $35 and $65, respectively.

Born to a Beninese father and a Japanese mother in Japan’s Toyama Prefecture, Hachimura made history after becoming the first Japanese player to be a first-round pick in an NBA Draft and the second Japanese-born player to be drafted into the NBA after Yasutaka Okayama. Hachimura immigrated to the United States in 2016.

Featured Image via @nikestore