Japan’s annual Setsubun festival inspires Nike to release a special edition Dunk Low for the occasion.

Setsubun, also referenced as the Bean-Throwing Festival, is celebrated on the day before the beginning of spring in the old calendar in Japan. During the Festival, it is customary to throw handfuls of dry soybeans to scare away demons, while chanting “Demons out, good luck in!” This is performed to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune.

This offering of the Nike Dunk Low features a Light Brown base paired with Khaki and Dark Brown overlays. Purple contrasting accents appear on the Swooshes, lining, tongues, and a “demon” embroidered on the lateral heel, which is an image of Tsuno Daishi, The Great Horned Master. A White midsole atop a semi-translucent outsole with a spacial artwork from the late Edo period (1840s) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi titled 金時の節分. It displays bean-throwing child hero known as Kintarō, who will grow up to be the mighty warrior Sakata Kintoki, one of the retainers of the famous demon-fighter Minamoto Yorimitsu (Raikō).

Nike Dunk Low Setsubun Release Date

Look for the Nike Dunk Low “Setsubun” to release on April 11th at select Nike Sportswear retailers and Nike.com. The retail price tag is set at $120 USD.

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UPDATE 3/28/23: Almost a full year later, Nike finally announces that the Dunk Low “Setsubun” will release on April 11th via SNKRS.

UPDATE 3/17/22: Nike reveals official photos of the “Setsubun” Dunk Low.

UPDATE 3/10/22: On-feet photos of the “Setsubun” Dunk Low via yankeekicks.

UPDATE 3/3/22: In-hand look at the Setsubun Festival-inspired Nike Dunk Low via die_sel666.

UPDATE 2/13/22: A better look at the “Setsubun” Dunk Low. A release date has yet to be announced.

Photo: pvasneakers