Konami in NIKE and Yu-Gi-Oh!  Collab

Konami Cross Media NY, Inc., has announced a new collaboration with NIKE x Yu-Gi-Oh! that redefines the notion of an athlete. The NIKE Air Max 95 QS YGO meticulously replicates the original vision seen in Kazuki Takahashi’s Yu-Gi-Oh! and is joined by a complementary apparel collection that further reflects the authentic connection between NIKE and Yu-Gi-Oh! The collaboration is additionally brought to life through a campaign that pays homage to the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe, featuring the anime series’ original English and Japanese voice actors in a trailer debuting the footwear. 

The announcement was made today by Jennifer Coleman, Senior Vice President of Licensing and Marketing for Konami Cross Media, NY, Inc. 

“The passion, care, and attention to detail NIKE brought to this Yu-Gi-Oh! collaboration has been extraordinary” said Coleman, in announcing the agreement. “Their unique vision of Yu-Gi-Oh!characters and fans as athletes—combined with NIKE’s iconic marketing, footwear, and apparel design—will redefine how our audience connects with their favorites characters, especially Joey Wheeler.” 

“At NIKE, we believe the future of sport is creative and unlimited in possibility, and we know that athletes draw inspiration from extraordinary sources in the video games they play and the anime they watch,” says Dave Vericker, Sr. Director, Neighborhood Merchandise. “We didn’t invent this lore: It was born organically from the community. Through our partnership with KONAMI, we wanted to show love to longtime fans and inspire the next generation by bringing a beloved, mythical story to life through design with these special Air Max 95s and a limited apparel collection.” 

The NIKE Air Max 95 QS YGO and complementary apparel will be available globally in the “Joey” colorway September 12th at SNKRS and select NIKE retail partners. The Japan-exclusive “Jonouchi” colorway and apparel will be available September 12th at select Japanese retail locations.