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The vault has been opened at Jordan Brand. Some all-time grails and ultra-rare sneakers that many thought would never see the light of day are returning, like the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 Retro. Later in the year, Jordan Brand also has plans to bring back the Air Jordan 5 Retro Tokyo (as first confirmed by Complex).
Air Jordan 5 Retro Tokyo History
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The Air Jordan 5 Retro Tokyo was released in 2011 to celebrate Jordan Brand's new retail location in Tokyo, Japan, the Tokyo 23 store. The limited-to-Japan release has gone down in history as one of the most coveted Air Jordan 5s ever. Although it has never been re-released, design elements from the pair were applied to the What The colorway of the Air Jordan 5 Retro, which was released in 2020.
Why is Jordan Brand Bringing Back The Jordan 5 Retro Tokyo?
Sole Retriever spoke with Jordan Brand, who stated that the brand plans to bring back the Tokyo AJ 5 with some slight changes. “It’s been more than 10 years since our consumer has had an opportunity to get their hands on such a unique silhouette, which we know is special,” reads the statement from Jordan. “It was time to re-introduce it, especially with the reception recent 5 releases have had.”
The sneaker is nearly a 1:1 retro of the original Air Jordan 5 Retro Tokyo 23, as the yellow upper, black and grey accents, and Tokyo 23 logo are applied to the upper. However, Jordan Brand changed the rubber toecap on the outsole to be yellow this time (the original was black). An alternate sample of the OG and the OVO x Air Jordan 5 Tokyo that appeared a few years back features this design element.
Jordan’s explanation for the toecap change? “We didn’t want those who copped the pair 10 years ago to feel like their efforts go for naught…so the slight change in the toe cap offers a differentiation from the original, while keeping the integrity of the Tokyo 5s. You can expect us to continue bringing these types of silhouettes in the future, some with slight twists and some true to the original.”
Air Jordan 5 Retro Tokyo 2025 Release Details
The new Air Jordan 5 Retro Tokyo version will be released in late September 2025 through Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers online and in-store. Available in men's sizing, the retail price is $210 (though that may change as Nike has begun to increase prices on all sneakers due to tariffs). Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Image via Nike
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Image via StockX
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
