This year the Japanese sneaker company celebrates its 60th anniversary – a major milestone
in Japanese culture surrounded with symbolism regarding the ‘Cycle of Life’. To do this it looks back to its great cultural heritage by reworking the Japanese Zodiac Legend, which tells the story of the 13 animals who raced against each other to secure a place in the Zodiac Calendar.

The Zodiac Race diorama is a spectacular, highly detailed metre-long sculpture shaped like a sneaker. Recreating a mythical Japanese landscape using the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water – it features Japanese landmarks including Mount Fiji, the Tottori Sand Dunes, the dry volcanic area of Kyushu and the pylons powering the neon lights of Tokyo.

The Zodiac Race, set on the diorama, is also the subject of a three-minute animation
that brings the race to life and shows how the animals – featuring rat, ox, monkey and dragon – competed against each other to secure a coveted place in the calendar.

Online visitors can also explore the island in 3D, learn more about this legendary race,
the historic landmarks, and also find out their own Japanese Zodiac sign.

Check it out here!