Upper Playground has launched a new sub-brand designed by Japanese artist, Usugrow called :SHINGANIST:.  Derived from the Japanese word “Shingan,” (meaning mind’s eye), “the line represents those people who create by seeing things in their mind’s eye, and are not bothered or influenced by things around them.”  Inspired by underground Japanese lifestyle, :SHINGANIST: will feature the art of Usugrow, as well as guest artists including Mozyskey, Toshikazu Nozaka, Bene and Jun Kaneko.

The launch of the line comes along with the release of the book of the same name as well as the re-release of Love Hate From JP. Love Hate From JP sold out and has been re-printed with a heavier-weight of paper with a slightly glossy finis for the :SHINGANIST: launch. Now available at Upper Playground.

Check out the T-Shirts from Upper Playground x Usugrow’s :SHINGANIST: after the jump.

The figure created by Japanese toy brand Secretbase and fellow Japanese artist Usugrow, Rebel Ink, comes soon in a special colorway for retailer Armth. The figure comes in a gold/black colorway and features extensive art by Usugrow. Look out for a release soon.

Detailed images of the Secretbase x Usugrow Rebel Ink gold colorway follow after the jump.

Japanese artist Usugrow has put together an impressive group of artists for the upcoming Shinganist book and group show, taking place at the Fifty24F Gallery in San Franicso. The line-up includes USUGROW, MOZYSKEY, TOSHIKAZU NOZAKA, BENE and JUN KANEKO.

There will not only be an exhibition, but there will also be a Shinganist Book accompanying the show and in August Upper Playground will be introducing the Shinganist Clothing Collection, featuring artwork by the participating artists. Something to look out for!

More information on the event follows after the jump.

A classic yet newly improved tennis silhouette is releasing this season from Vans – the N.S.D. To introduce the sneaker Vans has worked with Hosoi and artist Usugrow. Both the Hosoi and the Usugrow models come in two colorways this season. The outsole is a basic skate cupsole with lightweight internal EVA midsole to keep the dogs from barking.

Images of all four Vans N.S.D. Hosoi & Usugrow sneakers follow after the jump.

Today we can give you a more detailed look at the upcoming Vans x Usugrow Pack. The pack consists of the Sk8 Hi, Sk8 Low and a Half Cab. All three come with black uppers and tonal embroideries. The encarved graphics in the mid-sole are our favorite details in this new collaboration between Vans and the Japanese artist.

The Vans x Usugrow Pack is now on pre-order at Ripe.

More detailed images follow after the jump.

The February New Era releases are here and Upper Playground has two new designs, Sword and Dear Deer. The Sword design is by none other than Usugrow, who is based in Japan and known for his black and white illustrations. The hat features felt appliqué and embroidery on the front and back of the cap. The Dear Deer design features the art of Michael Sieben, a former exhibiting artist at FIFTY24SF Gallery, and features a broken-down yet surprisingly proud deer. The hat is made of cotton duck cloth and features front and side embroidery. Both hats are available at Upper Playground stores and on the Upper Playground Web Store.

Detailed images of the Upper Playground February 2009 New Era caps follow after the jump.

After presenting you yesterday the Vans Forty-Four Hi “East Coast vs West Coast” Pack and the Hosoi Legends Pack, we give you a preview today of the Spring 2009 Usugrow collaboration by Vans.

The pack consists of three sneakers – AV Sk8 Low, Sk9 Hi Pro and the Half Cab Pro. All three come in premium black leathers and feature a good amount of tonal embroidered details, created by the Japanese artist. The shirts complement the shoes and vice versa.

Look out for the Vans x Usugrow Pack at selected retailers in the coming weeks.

Japanese toy brand Secret Base and artist Usugrow worked on a new toy, entitled “The Salvation Ink”. The skull angel comes in a black and a white version and has been released this week in Japan. Overall a simple, yet strong character.

The Secret Base x Usugrow “The Salvation Ink” figures are now available at Bobos.

Detailed images follow after the jump.

Continuing their celebrations for their 5th anniversary, The Hundreds will be releasing tomorrow, October 30th, a t-shirt artist series, designed by artists that have been close to the brand for years. Artists include Robbie Conal, Tofer, MR44, David Choe, and Usugrow.

The Hundreds 5th Artist Series will only be released at the flagship stores in LA and SF.

Detailed images of all five t-shirts follow after the jump.

Vans has worked with Japanese artist Usugrow on an upcoming sneaker pack. The artist, who worked before already with The Hundreds, Secret Base and many others, worked on the Sk8 Hi, Half Cab and the Sk8 Low, all featuring black on black embroideryand further graphics on the mid sole. Via Sneakers.fr.
The pack will only be released in Spring ‘09. We will keep you posted.
More images after the jump.