This iteratation of the EX89 (FUJITAKA) sneaker features multicoloured scraps of IMABARI towel threads in the shoelace and webbing for an accent of colour. Visible mending details on the upper, such as stitiching and altered pattern to emphasise the SHUZEN, hand mended look. IMBARAI TOWELS, which are known wordwide for their soft, high quality Japanese towles, are created by FUJITAKA. The practice of SHUZEN dates back to the EDO period where people would mend their belongings over and over again with things they had available to them, to prolong and maximise use. The EX89 sneaker blends the heritage influences of the GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe from 1989 with modern cushioning properties. It was originally created by Toshikazu Kayano in the late 1980s as his first design project with ASICS. These technologies are met with a sculpted heel shape to improve shock absorption during everyday scenarios. The outsole's layout is meant to mirror the view of a city from the sky. This functional grip feature was initially inspired by the designer's first business trip to the United States in 1987.