This GEL-LYTE® V sneaker draws inspiration from the Japanese phrase “Godai,” and how it references the five elements in Japanese philosophy. Source: Sportstyle Collections | ASICS
While not exactly tied to Avatar the Last Airbender, this collection from ASICS does have a natural alignment to the classic animated series. With a reboot in the works from Netflix, this drop isn’t perfectly timed, but the unintentional allusion makes for an interesting comparison. Godai as explained here: The 5 Elements in Japanese: What They Mean and Where to Find Them
In Japan, the five elements are known as 五大 (ごだい) or “godai” and include earth, water, fire, wind and void.
These are Buddhist concepts, but you can find them in everyday life—from science to ourselves.
The Godai Pack isn’t a collab so there aren’t a lot of articles written about the drop but take a look at these pictures. Here is an instance where the fragility of sneaker culture can be discussed. If this release was attached to a name, sneaker media would have written early look posts, posts highlighting previous drops by the collaborator and then ‘where to buy’ articles and resale discussions would be shared with videos. The Godai Pack released quietly, and they are available in full size runs. I guess that’s the way things should be.
