Tohoku-born "SASHIKO GALS" and "1 Hotel Tokyo" Collaboration! Sashiko Sneakers to be Exhibited and Available for Limited Pre-order Sale from Thursday, April 2

Every year, April 22nd is "Earth Day," a day to think about the global environment, and April is designated as "Earth Month." 1 Hotel Tokyo (read: One Hotel Tokyo, location: Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, General Manager: Masahito Kominami), a sustainable luxury hotel from the U.S. that opened in Akasaka, Tokyo in March 2026, is pleased to announce a collaboration with "SASHIKO GALS," a group of artisans from Iwate Prefecture.

This collaboration embodies the shared philosophy of "sustainability" between both parties, resulting in the creation of original sneakers. Starting Thursday, April 2, 2026, a special exhibition will be held for six months on the 38th-floor lobby, along with a limited lottery pre-order sale of 10 pairs, and workshops where participants can learn directly from the artisans.

"SASHIKO GALS" originated from the "Otsuchi Sashiko Project," which began as a reconstruction support initiative after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. It is composed of women aged 40 to 80 living in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture. Their activities, which involve breathing new life into used clothing and sneakers using "Sashiko," a traditional technique from Tohoku, are highly regarded in both domestic and international fashion and art scenes as a symbol of sustainable craftsmanship.

On the other hand, "1 Hotel Tokyo" has a mission of "coexistence with nature" and incorporates the philosophy of reuse and upcycling into its interior design and guest experiences. Both parties deeply resonate with the values of not relying on mass production and mass consumption, and the philosophy of "cherishing and using things for a long time," leading to this collaboration.

The original sneakers created for this project are designed with a "forest" theme, inspired by nature. The base uses "New Balance 993" in gray, adorned with SASHIKO GALS' symbolic original Sashiko pattern. Each pair is a unique art piece, meticulously hand-stitched by artisans over 40 hours.

From Thursday, April 2, 2026, this work will be exhibited inside 1 Hotel Tokyo for six months. The exhibition will feature one original pair of sneakers, along with a total of three Sashiko sneakers embodying the world of SASHIKO GALS. They can be viewed in the hotel's sophisticated space, accompanied by a special wooden display that evokes Japanese warmth. Additionally, workshops where participants can learn Sashiko directly from SASHIKO GALS members are scheduled for two days, Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23.

https://www.1hotels.com/ja/tokyo/do/events/sashiko-gals-x-1-hotel-tokyo-exhibition

■ About 1 Hotel Tokyo × SASHIKO GALS Limited Edition Sneakers

These collaboration items will be available for limited pre-order sale as follows:

・Original sneakers: 5 pairs
・Sneakers + wooden display stand set: 5 sets

This product includes customization where the "1 Hotel Tokyo" logo and the customer's desired name (up to 5 alphabetic characters) are embroidered with Sashiko on the shoe tongue.

Price: Sneakers: 550,000 JPY (tax included) / Sneakers + display stand set: 3,850,000 JPY (tax included)

Lottery Application Conditions・Subscription to 1 Hotels newsletter.

・Residency in Japan.

Application Method

・Please apply from the following page:

https://www.1hotels.com/ja/tokyo/do/events/sashiko-gals-original-sneakers-limited-release

Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 18:00

※Only winners will be contacted by 1 Hotel Tokyo via email.

※Inquiries by phone are not accepted.

※Sizes can be specified (up to 25.0, 25.5, 26.0, 26.5, 27.0, 27.5, 28.0, 28.5, 29.0).

※Due to made-to-order production, delivery will be approximately 6-8 months later. ※No online sales.

■ Special Workshop by SASHIKO GALS

On May 22nd and 23rd, 2026, a special workshop will be held where participants can learn Sashiko directly from members of SASHIKO GALS. All participants will receive an original 1 Hotels tote bag and enjoy the experience of applying Sashiko embroidery.

Overview and Participation Conditions
・Participation fee: Free

・Must be a member of the 1 Hotels loyalty program "Mission Membership"
・Held twice daily (Part 1 from 10:30 AM, Part 2 from 2:00 PM - approximately 90 minutes each)

・Workshop application page (Please log in as a Mission member): https://www.1hotels.com/ja/tokyo/offers/sashiko-gals-workshop

"Mission Membership" application page: https://www.1hotels.com/ja/member

■ SASHIKO GALS
A group of Sashiko artisans based in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture. Originating from the "Otsuchi Sashiko Project" which began after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the group is primarily composed of women living in the region.

Their upcycling efforts, which involve giving new value to old clothes and sneakers using "Sashiko," a traditional technique from Tohoku, are highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally as sustainable craftsmanship. Each piece, created by hand, combines practicality and artistry, attracting attention as an entity that transcends the realms of fashion and art.

Discover a New Tokyo at 1 Hotel Tokyo

1 Hotel Tokyo is located on the 38th to 43rd floors of Akasaka Trust Tower, emerging as a "sanctuary in the sky" offering panoramic views of the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tokyo Tower, and the city skyline. Through nature-centric design, innovative dining, wellness experiences, and a philosophy of sustainable luxury, it brings a new hospitality experience to Tokyo.

The hotel is a collaboration between 1 Hotels and Mori Trust Co., Ltd., a leading real estate developer in Japan, and will be a central presence in "Tokyo World Gate Akasaka," a next-generation large-scale mixed-use development where offices, commercial facilities, and cultural facilities converge in a pedestrian-friendly environment. Akasaka, which places guests at the heart of Tokyo's cultural and business vibrancy, is an ideal base for exploring Tokyo's charms. While offering smooth access to major areas like Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya, nearby parks, shrines, and embassies highlight the unique character of this city, which combines an international face with local appeal.

Japan has a long-standing philosophy of living in harmony with nature, with craftsmanship, the concept of "knowing contentment," and respect for materials woven into daily life. With 211 rooms, 1 Hotel Tokyo is designed as a tranquil retreat that connects guests with nature through sustainable materials, carefully selected plantings, and handcrafted details, resonating with this sensibility and nature.

Discover Tokyo from a new perspective during your stay at 1 Hotel Tokyo. For more details, please visit 1hotels.com/tokyo.

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