Best known for their iconic Table Tennis shoes - developed in the 1960s with Japanese ping-pong legend Ichiro Ogimura - Koyo Bear is synonymous with the sport of Table Tennis.
Substituting the sword for the paddle, his aggressive playing style and sharp mental focus drew inspiration from Samurai, martial arts and zen philosophy.
Winning twelve world championships victories, he defined how the modern game is played.
Through his collaboration with Koyo Bear, Ogimura was a pioneer in table tennis footwear, clothing and equipment.
Ogimura was also a key figure in the “Ping-pong Diplomacy” of the early 1970s, brokering a sports-led détente between the United States and People's Republic of China.
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The rebirth of “The Shoe of Champions”, The Sharpman from Koyo Bear is returning for a 1000-pair limited edition run.