Ever wondered how the New Balance sneakers and its whole approach differs in Japan? Well the answer is not as simple as it seems and it might take four key individuals to explain their view on New Balance and how the brand has filtered into the complex Japanese market. Tetsuya Shono (New Balance Japan) and Eugene Yeo (New Balance Singapore) speaks on the current direction of the athletic brand and its product heritage. On the other hand Shigeyuki Kunii (mita sneakers) and Yoshifumi Egawa aka Yoppy (HECTIC) elaborates on their successful sneaker collaboration project and their opinion on the relationship with New Balance. The video interviews were compiled by Streething and it can be watched in full after the jump.

HECTIC and mita sneakers teamed up with New Balance at the start of this century and designed the Japan only MT580 sneakers. The latest model to join the MT580 family is made in conjunction with Japanese street wear brand Andsuns. Premium brown leather material is selected for the uppers and it is accented by contrasting white stitching, embroidery and plastic lace supports. White soles balance out the monotone sneakers and the Rollbar is highlighted by coordinating with the brown tone. These sneakers will be available for pre-order from Friday, April 20th and official launch is planned for the following Friday, April 29th. via: sneakeresource

HECTIC have finally launched their Spring/Summer 2011 collection and the initial deliveries have already made way to the RealmadHECTIC store and authorized retailers Japan wide. Ever so colorful, the collection is filled with staple products such as hoodies, t-shirts, button down shirts, caps, pants and accessories. Various key items feature bicycle inspired graphics, check patterns and border stripes in vivid tones. HECTIC also makes it known that 2012 is around the corner with couple of pieces printed with a simple numeric graphic. Keeping up with the times, the USB carabiner is a useful tool for information exchange and portable ashtrays are a necessity for Japanese smokers who do not wish to litter on the streets.

By realizing a project which teamed up a sneaker store, a clothing brand and a footwear brand, the collab simply known as MT580 traversed through 3 different demographics. Now, over 10 years later, mita sneakers, HECTIC, and New Balance, will launch their newest edition yet, the MT580 BKX.  Completely toned down in all black uppers, the sneaker features subtle brown accents on lace loops and heel patch. The most eye catching highlight, however, is the woodgrain pattern on the midsoles, a true original to say the least. Scheduled to release on Thursday, December 23rd, at mita sneakers, HECTIC, as well as select stores across Japan. via: houyhnhnm

When three influential streetwear brands get together for a collaboration project, the end product will be above average to say the least. UNDFTD Japan, Stussy Japan and HECTIC teamed up with New Balance Japan to create the quadruple brand project, the H754 Ducky. An obvious influence from the outdoor boots, evident by the two tone cord shoe laces, metallic lace loops and earthy color tone. Tan upper wrapped with a  khaki strip and a safety orange inner lining gives a hint of hunting season. Printed on the sockliner are familiar logos of each label, the H754 Ducky is scheduled to drop this Saturday, December 4th at select store in Japan only.

The collaboration project between FTC, HECTIC and 7STARS DESIGN pays homage to the San Fransisco artist Ed Roth, who created the Ratfink character. Usually the character is riding on a chopper, however this t-shirt graphic features the character riding on a fixed gear bicycle. There are four color versions available in black and white body as well as military green and charcoal versions. The military green t-shirt is sold exclusively at FTC and charcoal t-shirt is sold exclusively at HECTIC. Also they will be releasing some skateboards that feature the same graphics in the near future.

Still going strong, Japanese street wear label HECTIC designed its Horror Logo caps with the premise of a fresh and new design. Made in conjunction with New Era, the 59FIFTY caps are embroidered with the MAD HECTIC horror logo on the front panels. At the back,  an embroidery with “redrum”, in line with the horror theme (“redrum” is the word murder written backward). Five colors were made, from all black, gray, green, navy and red. Each accented by white embroidery apart from the black version. Available now via RealmadHECTIC

New releases for the October from HECTIC is all about preparing for the cold weather, as three versions of hoodie, thermal long sleeve shirts, wool pants and belts have just launched. In the usual HECTIC style, the hoodies are colorful yet wearable, and each accented by custom hood pulls that feature zig zag prints. If the hoodies don’t keep you warm, then try the earth-toned thermal long sleeve shirts. Legs are not forgotten either as their Wool 3D Pocket pants should keep the pins warm as well. Detailed with numerous rivets the Punk Rock O Ring belts will keep the pants from sagging too low. All of the items are currently available at HECTIC stores and stockists.

As HECTIC and mita sneakers celebrate the 10th anniversary of the classic New Balance MT580 series, they have brewed up a brand new design to unfold a new chapter. The 19th edition is undoubtedly fresh, using solid blue as the key color with white and yellow details to spice up the sneakers. It is nothing over the top and these have the potential to be another classic from the get go. Suede and mesh upper combination is a tribute to vintage running shoes and the insoles are printed with the past models made under the collaborative project. Click onto mita sneakers to cop a pair before it runs out.

As it mentions on the fine print of the above graphic, HECTIC produces “Filthy Fresh Garments” and much like aged wine, their creativity gets better with age. Graphics and color play is the strength of this brand and the Fall/Winter 2010 collection previews the upcoming releases. T-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts dominate the majority yet two pairs of denims and several caps also make the first delivery. The rest of the collection consists of accessories ranging from key chains, bags, wallets, belts, necklaces and even a pair of combs. These items have already filtered into the retail stores so check out your local HECTIC retailers.

Japan’s HECTIC and mita sneakers had come together to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the New Balance MT580, which is a Japanese-improved, 2.0 version of the M585 “made in U.S.A.”. Some of the key technical specifications include the ROLLBAR technology which endows the MT580 with added stability, and that the MT580 is super lightweight and has added the shock-absorbent ENCAP.