ASICS’s foundation was created with high-performance products made exclusivley in Japan. More than 50 years later, the now world-renown brand is reaching back into their deep-rooted history for their latest offering, the Tarther. Originally only available in Japan, this is the first time the running shoe will be available outside the island nation. Engineered for speed, durability, and superior comfort, this model is not only adorned by athletes, but also fashion-seeking sneakerheads. For our exclusive editorial with the iconic sneaker brand, we highlighted the upcoming release of the Tarther, a silhouette known for merging ASICS performance and design expertise. 

In this select reveal of the new model, we partnered with photographer Asato Iida and Grammy-nominated producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ starRo. Asato, a Tokyo native now based in Los Angeles, centered the shoot on two elements, the technical aspect of the high-performance sneaker and two monochromatic color ways. His straight-forward approach is matched with his gritty visual mastery, and allows starRo to take the main stage. The self-taught Japanese artist starRo, whose high-energy can be felt through each image, is best know for blending jazz, hip-hop, ambient, post-rock, folk and R&B with electronic music. starRo will graciously bring his diverse and soul-driven sound to our official WTG party in Berlin, which will take place at the brutalist St. Agnes church on August 29th. To find out how you can land an invite click here. The Tarther is available online and at ASICS selected retailers.  

Words: Paola de Oliveira
Photography: Asato Iida