UPDATE 8/25/26: Official photos of the Air Jordan 12 “Sumo” have surfaced. The shoes are expected to release August 25th exclusively in Japan.

Original Story 8/14/26:
The Air Jordan 12 is getting a special Japan-only release with a story that goes all the way back to Michael Jordan’s first trip there in 1996. During the visit, MJ spent time on the court with sumo wrestlers while wearing the Air Jordan 12, and Jordan Brand is now using that moment as the inspiration for the new “Sumo” colorway.

Most of the shoe is covered in Black leather, but there’s a lot going on once you look closer. Laser-etched wave graphics run across the upper, while Night Purple is used on the overlays. Metallic Gold details are mixed in as well, including some light speckling around the midsole.

The Japan theme continues on the tongue, where the usual Jumpman has been reworked with a look inspired by a traditional Japanese family crest. Underneath it is “二十三” stitched in Purple, which translates to “23.” The heel gets another local reference with branding styled after senjafuda, the small name plaques commonly seen around Japanese temples and shrines.

Jordan Brand didn’t stop with the shoes either. The box comes with custom wrapping paper that calls back to Michael Jordan’s 1995-96 season, including his regular-season stats and performances. There’s also a Jumpman paper sumo kit packed inside, which fits the story behind the release without taking things too seriously.

How To Buy The Sumo Air Jordan 12

For anyone trying to get a pair, this one is staying in Japan. atmos will hold a raffle beginning August 14 at 6:00 PM, with entries closing August 21 at 8:59 AM. You’ll need a free atmos membership to enter, and you have to live in Japan.

Raffle results will show up inside the Raffle Entry History section of each member’s account on August 23 at 9:00 AM. atmos won’t send out winner emails, so anyone who enters will have to check their account directly.
Pairs for winners are expected to ship between August 23 and August 28.

Air Jordan 12 Sumo Release Date

The Air Jordan 12 “Sumo” releases August 23, 2026, exclusively in Japan through atmos.

Stay up to date with all upcoming Air Jordan releases from our Air Jordan Release Dates page.