Steve Aoki’s DIM MAK collection and VIZ Media are pleased to announce the upcoming drop: “NARUTO x DIM MAK, ” in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Japanese Manga series Naruto. The capsule consists of a variety of both short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts supported by Champion, with exclusive artwork from the Naruto series.
Founded by two-time Grammy-nominated producer/DJ Steve Aoki, DIM MAK is a fashion streetwear brand for the uninhibited adrenaline junkies and lovers of the same punk skate LA subcultures Aoki thrived on during his youth. Aoki named his record label and subsequent fashion brand “Dim Mak” as a nod to Bruce Lee’s signature fight move: the touch of death. The name itself acts as a constant reminder to stay focused and to forge his own path. “Do it yourself…by any means necessary.”
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Aoki has always been a consummate Japanese Manga aficionado, but became a Naruto Shippuden devotee when he discovered the series. Created by the brilliant mind of Masashi Kishimoto, the epic coming-of-age story details the life of a young Naruto determined to gain recognition from his peers and to transform from an underdog to a powerful ninja leader. The series made a lasting impression on Aoki, reminding him of the mantra and ethos for his brand, DIM MAK Collection:
“Do it yourself…by any means necessary.”
Naruto’s global impact is extensive, with over 300 million copies of the show sold worldwide. Kishimoto’s genius knew no bounds, with the series spanning over 500 episodes. Naruto originally debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump and has since become the 4th best-selling manga of all time.
“I didn’t realize it when I was young, but I have always been inherently drawn to manga because I saw myself in them. Now, I want to bridge my Japanese heritage and American upbringing in as many projects as possible,” says Aoki. He is doing just that by incorporating Naruto’s legacy into this new DIM MAK Collection drop.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the annual ComicCon San Diego live event, the “NARUTO x DIM MAK” collectible merchandise will now be made available for purchase exclusively on the DIM MAK collection site on September 5th, 2020 at 12pm EDT.
