# Japan-Themed Playful Sneakers Yu Nagaba Doodles on ASICS' Signature GEL-Saga Sneakers By Amy Duong | Published 2019-03-12 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yu-nagaba References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/yu-nagaba-asics-gel-saga-release-date-price/) & [launches.endclothing](https://launches.endclothing.com/) Footwear label [ASICS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelnyc-2) draws in the talents of Japanese artist Yu Nagaba to adorn its signature [GEL-Saga sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelsekiran) with his handwriting and doodles. Nagaba is an illustrator and author based in Tokyo and the new sneaker design draws inspiration from young love. The [minimal visual aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelk1011) true to Nagaba is translated onto the sneakers, complete in a predominantly birch-tonal upper constructed from suede materials. The uppers, laces, and the midsoles come in a matching hue, allowing the reflective accents to stand out. The reflective details are found at the heel, laces, and the toe box in the form of Nagaba's illustrations. Some of the accenting details also read "Tokyo" and "Shibuya," which nods to ASICS' Shibuya store's one-year anniversary. The sneakers are set to launch on March 20th. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Minimal Visual Aesthetics:** The trend of incorporating minimal visual aesthetics into product design presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in various industries such as fashion, interior design, and graphic design. - **Collaboration with Artists:** The trend of collaborating with artists to create unique and limited-edition designs opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the footwear industry, the art industry, and the marketing industry. - **Reflective Accent Details:** The trend of incorporating reflective accent details in product design creates disruptive innovation opportunities in industries such as safety gear, outdoor equipment, and fashion accessories. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating minimal visual aesthetics and collaborating with artists to create unique designs. - **Art:** The art industry can leverage the trend of collaborating with brands to create limited-edition designs and expand their reach to new audiences. - **Marketing:** The marketing industry can tap into the trend of collaborating with artists to create exclusive products that generate buzz and attract customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Iconic Anime-Inspired Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelnyc-2.md) - [Nature-Inspired Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ub10s-gelkayano-20.md) - [Trail-Inspired Neutral Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelnunobiki.md) - [Collaborative Gingham-Covered Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelventure-6-1.md) - [Weatherized Sleek Collaborative Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelterrain.md) - [Stylish Technical Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-wins-add-up.md) - [Stitched Accent Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkinetic-fluent.md) - [Japanese Workwear-Honoring Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkiril-3.md) - [Minimal Earth Toned Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelk1011.md)