There was an inescapable Japanese undertone to the opening night of the ASICS Sportstyle event in Melbourne last night, which kicked off a five-day experience. Taking over 264 Exhibition Street, the place was humming as attendees checked out the latest ASICS offerings while munching on delicious bites from Nori Maki and sipping Suntory -196.
The space itself feels less like a sneaker store and more like a cultural hub, with a Japanese listening bar-inspired lounge, café and product displays sitting alongside artwork and community spaces. It’s all built around the brand’s “Sound Mind, Sound Body” philosophy, encouraging visitors to slow down rather than rush through.
If you missed opening night, there’s still plenty happening before the pop-up wraps on August 9th. The remaining program includes somatic movement sessions, live sets from KSMBA and Felices Bambi, sneaker customisation workshops with Chase Shiel, sneaker cleaning sessions from The Sneaker Laundry, live street sketching with Candy Ng, a traditional Japanese Goshuin workshop, ceramic workshops with Amfora Studio, plus food and coffee from the likes of Everyday Coffee, Attakai, INBTWN and Bake Stand – head here to book a session.
Check out what went down on opening night in the gallery above.
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