06/15/2026
Jun “Jonio” Takahashi () and Nigo ( , ) have been friends since their days at Bunka Fashion College in the late 1980s. together, they co-founded NOWHERE in Tokyo’s Ura-Harajuku district in 1993, helping shape the foundations of modern Japanese streetwear.
more than three decades later, that relationship has come full circle, with Nigo’s Human Made set to acquire Jonio’s Undercover. in hindsight, the recent Undercover × Nike collaboration featuring Nigo feels almost like a celebration of their shared legacy—two longtime friends and collaborators reunited before the next chapter begins.
from NOWHERE to now, few partnerships have had a greater impact on Japanese fashion.
here are some moments the pair shared together through their collaborations, notably those under “Last O**y 2.”
editor notes:
what are your thoughts on the acquisition?
my personal journey into the world of Japanese streetwear began with learning about Undercover and *older* BAPE when I first visited the store in LA. much of my initial interest into designer clothing started with the works of both Jonio and Nigo. i’m curious to see how things for the Undercover brand will change in the following seasons with this acquisition.
one of my first ever “pieces” was a aw99 “Ambialence” bomber jacket from UC
/tony
