Japanese consumers, even the ones who aren't particularly interested in fashion, actually have a demand for better quality and better comfort. Meanwhile here in the United States, people don't care as much, which tells these brands that we're okay with subpar quality, the bare minimum, and limited choices.
When I took the family to Tokyo a year ago, we noticed how well put together everyone looked everywhere we went, especially the women. The only person we saw in ”athleisure wear” was a young man in track pants but in a trendy style with an overcoat. To be harsh, North America is where fashion comes to die.
I scored a pair of second hand Mastermind Jack Purcell’s for $14! (Yeah, that shop had no idea what they had) you can tell they were heavily used, but after a good cleaning I can tell the quality is just unmatched! And Reggie, stop apologizing for boasting about Japan. It’s what we all come here for!
Goddamn yes. Picked up a near-new pair of Chuck 70 hitops in yellow from Hardoff Koenji and the quality is INSANE. I mean they won't outlive me or anything - they're still Cons - but they look and fit great, and feel wonderful even after a whole day walking around Japanese cities. Only minor nuisance is the eyelets still stain any light-coloured shoelaces.
its not worth it ,Trust me. im living in japan and ive worn alot of converse, converse 70 is a no brainer in price point, comfort and looks. even all of my japanese friend always looking for converse 70 while the cant get it in japan.
I've been a boots guy since I was 18(I'm 33 now) so converse wouldnt be my thing. I've been kind of getting into Jikatabi(not the boots that you see in America, the actual japanese workwear item I'm sure you're familiar with), especially on Yom Kippur as I'm (fun fact the reason why you can't wear leather shoes is because it says in the talmud that you can't wear sandals. I've interpreted to the point that you can't even wear canvas sneakers, so I'm engaging in my japanese fashion sense and 1-uping religious law). Also thank you so much for teaching me about japanese fashion, which I've learnt everything from you. I started watching you after searching how to style a kimono after seeing my favorite author Osamu Dazai in it, and from there I've gotten into selvedge denim and amekaji. One of my ensembles which I've taken from your lesson on kimono and the belgian school of fashion philosophy is 16 inch lineman boots, since I like the tall riding boots in fantasy manga and video games, naked and famous weird guys, a kendogi with an obi, and a kasuri haori and sometimes a kurmontsuki haori, with a fur hat to incorporate my jewish heritage. Much love Reggie.
I was in Tokyo about a year ago and walked into a Converse store without any of this background you’re providing. I was shocked by the quality options offered and the level of customization available. I wish I had taken more time to find myself a pair. A big regret. Best I can do here in Canada is a pair of Chuck 70.
Ok, so I love Converse for just about everything you said. As I get older, I appreciate more understated, classic, staple silhouettes. I fall under the camp that tends to go for the more elevated versions of Converse. The ones that seem to to get the heritage treatment like the Chuck 70, Star Player 76, even the Weapon. What actually aggravates my soul is that Nike demonstrates that they can absolutely hit certain marks as far as quality is concerned but, like you said, it seems to be a certain kind of consumer that is actually seeking these things out. What elates my soul is that I can often find quite elevated Converse options on deep discount. Then, I get a little sad again because we know that if the consumer isn't biting, even these better versions will slowly go away.
I love my Converse and actually have 62 pairs, covering multiple colours, graphic designs and sole types (all high-tops) and now I am aware of Japanese Converse being better I will definitely try to find a way to get a pair. I wish it was just a simple as getting on a plane to Tokyo but my bank balance won’t allow it. I love your passion for items you enjoy wearing and you videos have loads of detailed information, thanks :)
Thank you for this, I'm a big converse fan and sort of collector. & I've been trying to tell others about the Japan brand. Could you one day go to their big store if you can film in there.
Its interesting because i see japanese shoe reviewers and a lot of them say they prefer american ones. I dont know if the ones in converse and in abc mart are different quality wise. But they say buying converse from abc-mart is easily accessible and affordable. But the quality sucks as they say.
The Japanese market that typically loves *quality* American/Western footwear and fashion are typically those rooted in Japanese Americana fashion, and love well known heritage brands like Red Wing, Barbour, etc. that still produce most if not all their product in the Western world. That's considered a niche for the Americana/Heritage fans in Asia cause it's a style and quality that's a bit more difficult to obtain due to pricing and availability.
Hi! I love your channel and will be visiting Japan soon. Thanks for sharing this information! I’m planning to visit the Converse store in Tokyo, but I have a few questions. When browsing the Converse Japan website, I noticed some shoes have a label on the back that says only “All Star,” while others say “All Star Made in Japan.” Are all the shoes in the flagship store in Japan made in Japan ??? I am interested in quality and comfort,
Converse Japan and VANS Japan have so much better things compared to us, its not even funny. Mastermind Collabs immediately come to mind for both brands. Converse’s Addict line is so dope for those that want to wear Converse daily (Vibram bottoms are nice touch). Converse constantly pulls out archive pairs, and even the regular stuff looks more close to OG Converse than even what we get with the 70s Line.
I wore the converse Chuck Taylor (black label) to Japan last year and the local people were amazed by it and keep saying ‘Chukusu?’. Don’t they sell it in Japan?
They don't. I used to work at the Converse in Hawaii before it closed, and we'd constantly get Japanese customers coming in for 70s, so much so that that the phrase "日本に買えないやつ" "nihon ni kaenai yatsu" "The one you can't buy in Japan" is ingrained into my brain.
Good sir, I’ll be in Japan at the end of the month. If I’m looking to get a pair of Converse where would be the optimal place to shop for them? Also thank you, video was awesome
Yeah, I’ve had some regular (not 70s) Japanese chucks that were different and unique. I’ve also had the made in Japan ones they have now, but they are people with slim feet. Great quality, though.
Kudos for getting straight to the point in just about a minute in 👍 Though I wish there was a direct comparison with the "regular" Chuck 70s to its Japanese counterpart(s). I'm not really big on exotic/limited/collab releases as Chucks = basic canvas shoes for me and the Chuck 70 GRs are already good for me (they're always on discount too). Maybe if Chuck JP release one with full length Zoom I might get sucked in to this rabbit hole🤞
I wish I had seen this a week ago... I was staring down a pair of made in Japan chucks at ABC and ended up passing on them... That was largely due to the amount of other things I had already bought though... suitcase was bulgy as hell when I left...
My issue with Converse (western) is the quality of the sole underneath (the part that touches the ground, not native :D). Is it really better in the japanese versions? Or is only the upper / exterior side?
Yeah, I can't tell what's what with them. Just assume they're all awful quality in the states. There's a collab with Comme des Garcon and I can only assume they slapped the logo on it, increased the price tag, and called it a day. Can anybody confirm where their quality falls with the Comme des Garcon collection? Just looked at their product page for them again and there's really nothing to distinguish it that I can spot.
How do I shop Japanesque fashions here in the States? You show all these great trends and clothing options, but As you've stated yourself, they don't cater to the American market, sizes are limited, and it's hard to have that same swagger here when you want to add Asian-inspired clothing to your wardrobe. Are their American alternatives? I need a Kimono (male version) to get that POP! Help this brother out who's 6'1 220LBS middle-aged. Who wants to look age-appropriate, but add some flair to the Drip..
You gotta break them in. They're stable not comfortable. I usually pick up mine from the mercari japan site for cheap, bought some black/monochromes for $60.
Addict vs 70s literally depends on the buyer. Westerners wan Addicts and Japanese want 70s. But now that 70s are quality control pairs I give the edge to Addict.
Japan: old things are good, discarding things bad. Also Japan: let's take a piece of fruit and wrap it in 9 different types and layers of plastic and then pack it in a new gift box and a gift bag and then incinerate that plastic because we have no space for garbage landfill.
![[UNCUT] เก็บ "สจ.โต้ง" เอี่ยวมาเฟีย รู้ตัวคนบงการ ก่อนสั่งลั่นไก I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ I 13 ธ.ค.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/o-J_p62D40w/mqdefault.jpg)
Converse Japan need the Rose Anvil treatment ;)
Dude! That would be dope. It’ll hurt to see them sliced, but worth the look!
Maybe he will when a competitor pays him to…
@@cheesim It's not that deep.
True mate😂
Japanese consumers, even the ones who aren't particularly interested in fashion, actually have a demand for better quality and better comfort. Meanwhile here in the United States, people don't care as much, which tells these brands that we're okay with subpar quality, the bare minimum, and limited choices.
When I took the family to Tokyo a year ago, we noticed how well put together everyone looked everywhere we went, especially the women. The only person we saw in ”athleisure wear” was a young man in track pants but in a trendy style with an overcoat. To be harsh, North America is where fashion comes to die.
I scored a pair of second hand Mastermind Jack Purcell’s for $14! (Yeah, that shop had no idea what they had) you can tell they were heavily used, but after a good cleaning I can tell the quality is just unmatched!
And Reggie, stop apologizing for boasting about Japan. It’s what we all come here for!
Converse shoes are the most uncomfortable shoes to walk in.
What this tells me is that you haven't tried a lot of shoes
whoa hold on
Try the 70's
Jordans 1 - 11 are worse. All hype, no comfort.
Runstar Legacy are like walking on clouds
Goddamn yes. Picked up a near-new pair of Chuck 70 hitops in yellow from Hardoff Koenji and the quality is INSANE. I mean they won't outlive me or anything - they're still Cons - but they look and fit great, and feel wonderful even after a whole day walking around Japanese cities. Only minor nuisance is the eyelets still stain any light-coloured shoelaces.
How do we get Japan Converse from the US?
Converse Japan comes up if you do a Google search. You can change the language from Japanese to English at the top. and order from the site.
U can’t lol
Using a Japanese proxy service which will buy from their jp site and ship it to you
its not worth it ,Trust me. im living in japan and ive worn alot of converse, converse 70 is a no brainer in price point, comfort and looks. even all of my japanese friend always looking for converse 70 while the cant get it in japan.
I've been a boots guy since I was 18(I'm 33 now) so converse wouldnt be my thing. I've been kind of getting into Jikatabi(not the boots that you see in America, the actual japanese workwear item I'm sure you're familiar with), especially on Yom Kippur as I'm (fun fact the reason why you can't wear leather shoes is because it says in the talmud that you can't wear sandals. I've interpreted to the point that you can't even wear canvas sneakers, so I'm engaging in my japanese fashion sense and 1-uping religious law). Also thank you so much for teaching me about japanese fashion, which I've learnt everything from you. I started watching you after searching how to style a kimono after seeing my favorite author Osamu Dazai in it, and from there I've gotten into selvedge denim and amekaji. One of my ensembles which I've taken from your lesson on kimono and the belgian school of fashion philosophy is 16 inch lineman boots, since I like the tall riding boots in fantasy manga and video games, naked and famous weird guys, a kendogi with an obi, and a kasuri haori and sometimes a kurmontsuki haori, with a fur hat to incorporate my jewish heritage. Much love Reggie.
I was in Tokyo about a year ago and walked into a Converse store without any of this background you’re providing. I was shocked by the quality options offered and the level of customization available. I wish I had taken more time to find myself a pair. A big regret. Best I can do here in Canada is a pair of Chuck 70.
Ok, so I love Converse for just about everything you said. As I get older, I appreciate more understated, classic, staple silhouettes. I fall under the camp that tends to go for the more elevated versions of Converse. The ones that seem to to get the heritage treatment like the Chuck 70, Star Player 76, even the Weapon. What actually aggravates my soul is that Nike demonstrates that they can absolutely hit certain marks as far as quality is concerned but, like you said, it seems to be a certain kind of consumer that is actually seeking these things out. What elates my soul is that I can often find quite elevated Converse options on deep discount. Then, I get a little sad again because we know that if the consumer isn't biting, even these better versions will slowly go away.
I love my Converse and actually have 62 pairs, covering multiple colours, graphic designs and sole types (all high-tops) and now I am aware of Japanese Converse being better I will definitely try to find a way to get a pair. I wish it was just a simple as getting on a plane to Tokyo but my bank balance won’t allow it. I love your passion for items you enjoy wearing and you videos have loads of detailed information, thanks :)
Thank you for this, I'm a big converse fan and sort of collector. & I've been trying to tell others about the Japan brand. Could you one day go to their big store if you can film in there.
I've bought a few pairs of converse in my visits to japan, and they're absolute amazing.
Also love the White Atelier store on Cat Street. Usually first on my list to go to.
Another great video 👌
Its interesting because i see japanese shoe reviewers and a lot of them say they prefer american ones. I dont know if the ones in converse and in abc mart are different quality wise. But they say buying converse from abc-mart is easily accessible and affordable. But the quality sucks as they say.
The Japanese market that typically loves *quality* American/Western footwear and fashion are typically those rooted in Japanese Americana fashion, and love well known heritage brands like Red Wing, Barbour, etc. that still produce most if not all their product in the Western world.
That's considered a niche for the Americana/Heritage fans in Asia cause it's a style and quality that's a bit more difficult to obtain due to pricing and availability.
Hi! I love your channel and will be visiting Japan soon. Thanks for sharing this information! I’m planning to visit the Converse store in Tokyo, but I have a few questions. When browsing the Converse Japan website, I noticed some shoes have a label on the back that says only “All Star,” while others say “All Star Made in Japan.” Are all the shoes in the flagship store in Japan made in Japan ??? I am interested in quality and comfort,
Converse addicts been tryna get some but since im in the states it’s tuff
Trying to find a pair of one star JV3, anyway I can get them to the US?
Converse Japan and VANS Japan have so much better things compared to us, its not even funny. Mastermind Collabs immediately come to mind for both brands. Converse’s Addict line is so dope for those that want to wear Converse daily (Vibram bottoms are nice touch). Converse constantly pulls out archive pairs, and even the regular stuff looks more close to OG Converse than even what we get with the 70s Line.
I wore the converse Chuck Taylor (black label) to Japan last year and the local people were amazed by it and keep saying ‘Chukusu?’. Don’t they sell it in Japan?
They don't. I used to work at the Converse in Hawaii before it closed, and we'd constantly get Japanese customers coming in for 70s, so much so that that the phrase
"日本に買えないやつ"
"nihon ni kaenai yatsu"
"The one you can't buy in Japan"
is ingrained into my brain.
@ ahh I see, they are quite comfy
Good sir, I’ll be in Japan at the end of the month. If I’m looking to get a pair of Converse where would be the optimal place to shop for them? Also thank you, video was awesome
What are those black pants @6:44, where do I find those in the states?!
i need to know this too.. Reggie pls tell us
Thanks for special introduce Converse japan to me.
Yeah, I’ve had some regular (not 70s) Japanese chucks that were different and unique. I’ve also had the made in Japan ones they have now, but they are people with slim feet. Great quality, though.
For the record, I apologize for before. It will never happen again. Good to see you have us another shot. -Reggie
Kudos for getting straight to the point in just about a minute in 👍
Though I wish there was a direct comparison with the "regular" Chuck 70s to its Japanese counterpart(s).
I'm not really big on exotic/limited/collab releases as Chucks = basic canvas shoes for me and the Chuck 70 GRs are already good for me (they're always on discount too). Maybe if Chuck JP release one with full length Zoom I might get sucked in to this rabbit hole🤞
my feet are too big for converse 🥲
Good one. Love my Cons.
Wish i know this before i can't back from Japan
I love wearing converse back in the 80's and I find the converse shoes now are uncomfortable and cheap looking. Thanks to you now i know why.
I have the all leather converse by you that nike did they are incredible actually
My boy out here with the Hasidic drip looking like Hasidic Rick
Converse and vibram!? Wow!! Japan is the futur!
I wish I had seen this a week ago... I was staring down a pair of made in Japan chucks at ABC and ended up passing on them... That was largely due to the amount of other things I had already bought though... suitcase was bulgy as hell when I left...
My issue with Converse (western) is the quality of the sole underneath (the part that touches the ground, not native :D). Is it really better in the japanese versions? Or is only the upper / exterior side?
I’ve missed you man. My bad I fell off the videos
While Japanese fashion enthusiasts pay 2 or 3 times more to import chucks from the US
Chuck 70s are just as good in my opinion
I might need that “Reggie Casual” shipping agent service for a pair 👀
I just bought some Conserve boots.
7:00 thank you for saying this lol.
Bro I been waiting to get my hands on some japan purcells. Can’t get them anywhere
I love a classic Chuck- but my feet are just too wide 😭
But can you buy the insoles seperately?
everything is better in japan
Reggie stays schooling me…
C O N V E R S E B O I S
I tried to hate Converse, but it's impossible. Even most top brands make their own versions of Chucks.
Yeah, I can't tell what's what with them. Just assume they're all awful quality in the states. There's a collab with Comme des Garcon and I can only assume they slapped the logo on it, increased the price tag, and called it a day. Can anybody confirm where their quality falls with the Comme des Garcon collection? Just looked at their product page for them again and there's really nothing to distinguish it that I can spot.
I'm confused. Japanese Chucks still have React but aren't owned by Nike? How is that possible?
Not the same React company.
How do I shop Japanesque fashions here in the States? You show all these great trends and clothing options, but As you've stated yourself, they don't cater to the American market, sizes are limited, and it's hard to have that same swagger here when you want to add Asian-inspired clothing to your wardrobe. Are their American alternatives? I need a Kimono (male version) to get that POP! Help this brother out who's 6'1 220LBS middle-aged. Who wants to look age-appropriate, but add some flair to the Drip..
Buyee. Japan market. World shopping
You said converse not owned by Nike in Japan, but the React insole is from Nike?
Different react sole. Also a different company.
You gotta break them in. They're stable not comfortable. I usually pick up mine from the mercari japan site for cheap, bought some black/monochromes for $60.
Lol you probably never owed a 70s. It is plain better than any mij models
70s are great, and there’s a lot of variation nowadays.
Addict vs 70s literally depends on the buyer. Westerners wan Addicts and Japanese want 70s. But now that 70s are quality control pairs I give the edge to Addict.
No. Theyre not
Where can I find these converse addict in California ?
Can't. Only on proxy sites
Japan: old things are good, discarding things bad. Also Japan: let's take a piece of fruit and wrap it in 9 different types and layers of plastic and then pack it in a new gift box and a gift bag and then incinerate that plastic because we have no space for garbage landfill.
Truth