Closer Look: Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo 2025”
By
Matt Tompkins |For yet another time in 2025, Jordan Brand opens “the vault,” allowing us another chance at a legendary sneaker from years past.
For years, the "Tokyo" Air Jordan 5s have been considered the stuff of legend, a mythical creature in the sneaker world, especially outside of Japan. Originally released in 2011 in hyper-limited quantities, it was believed that the release was to commemorate the opening of Jordan Brand's flagship store in Tokyo's Shibuya district. But according to a recent update in the SNKRS app, it is actually to celebrate the Jordan Tokyo 23 Basketball Tournament held in Yoyogi Park. Their vibrant University Gold upper, stark black accents, and icy blue translucent sole are a bold statement, a true celebration of the energetic Shibuya street style.
The original release is so exclusive that acquiring a pair feels like winning the lottery, with resale prices consistently soaring into the stratosphere. But now, it seems the sneaker gods have heard our prayers.
What to Expect from the 2025 Retro
So, what can we expect from the 2025 Air Jordan 5 "Tokyo"? Stadium Goods can confirm that this release is a faithful reproduction with a few subtle, yet significant, updates. The most striking difference from the original 2011 release is the yellow hue. While the original features a rich, almost mustard-like University Gold, the 2025 version leans into a slightly brighter, more vibrant lemon-yellow, a subtle shift that could either delight or divide purists. 
This retro features the classic yellow shark teeth on the midsole, the iconic 3M reflective tongue, and the Kanji-inspired “23” stitched on the heel. The icy blue translucent outsole makes a return, a hallmark of the AJ5 silhouette. The combination of these elements, even with a slightly different shade of yellow, will undoubtedly evoke the same electrifying energy as the original.
This retro is more than just another pair of sneakers; it is a moment. It is an opportunity for those who miss out on the ultra-limited 2011 drop to finally get their hands on a piece of sneaker history. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Air Jordan 5 and the Jordan Brand's uncanny ability to keep their most coveted designs relevant and desirable for decades.
Shop the Air Jordan 5 "Tokyo (2025)" here.
