The brief called for something that manifested our ‘Made of Japan’ strategy and communicated Onitsuka Tiger’s unique heritage and authentic Japanese credentials, while reinforcing the brand’s urban cool with something completely fresh and contemporary.Tasked with generating a buzz, broadening appeal, increasing product consideration, we sought to engage with fashion-conscious sneaker fans that wish to stand out. They are media-savvy, cynical, and crave ‘authenticity’ and ‘craftsmanship’.The brief demanded that this year’s sneaker sculpture took our historically successful campaign one step further. Where earlier pieces had been beautiful to look at, this needed to encourage interaction and engagement.

We found Niigata-based Ogura Tansu Ten, a 9th-generation family workshop. Using techniques dating back to the time of the Samurai, it took the team four months to handcraft the elaborate piece.Custom-made ornaments featured motifs depicting icons from Onitsuka Tiger's rich history, linking the past with the present.A flawless lacquer finish, airtight drawers, and even three secret compartments hidden behind false doors and pseudo-floors, established the all-important authenticity of the design. Intriguing content made each compartment a discovery: a handmade miniature workshop, speakers playing a workshop soundscape, a screen showing a ‘making-of’ video.

The sneaker’s global tour was a resounding success. At stores and trade fairs, sneaker fans tried to unlock the secret compartments to claim the treasures within. Intrigued, people went on-line to discover more.

Unique visits to onitsukatiger.com grew 125%, while total traffic saw a massive increase of 460%. Interest in the collection went up 20%, direct traffic (WOM) increased 40%, and referral traffic jumped 152%.The story of the shoe spread around the world, through blogs, tweets, magazines, showing that sometimes, to build something beautiful, even in a virtual world, you need the tools of a traditional craftsman.