Akudama Tamiya Collaboration: Nostalgic Revival of 'Easy Rider' Socks

Akudama Tamiya x Tabio Collaboration

In a nostalgic twist, renowned musician Akudama Tamiya collaborates with Tabio to bring back iconic socks from his legendary music video for "Easy Rider," originally released in 1996. The revival comes 30 years after the song's debut, highlighting a unique blend of music and fashion.

Tabio Corporation, headquartered in Osaka and known for its brands like "Socks House" and "Tabio MEN," announced this collaboration which will make the vintage socks available for a limited time. This one-of-a-kind product will be sold alongside a visual sticker reminiscent of the music video, with a tentative price set at 1,980 yen (tax included).

The socks themselves are designed to closely reflect the original piece worn by Akudama in the music video. This collaboration not only pays homage to a classic era of Japanese music but also serves as a significant reminder of the rich history that connects Tamiya with the Tabio brand.

Background of the Collaboration: A Unique Connection

The partnership between Akudama and Tabio has deeper roots, tracing back to around 2000 when Tabio launched a new men's casual brand. At that time, Akudama's persona emerged as a significant inspiration, leading to the creation of the name "TABIO." This name later became the foundation of the company itself, showcasing the intertwined history.

The decision to bring back the socks for this collaboration stems from a long-standing relationship between Tamiya and the Tabio brand, making it a fitting homage to the musical heritage.

Product Details

The revival of the socks showcases an American ribbed design, reimagined in the spirit of the original model. Accompanied by a special sticker featuring art from the music video, each pair will be displayed elegantly in packaging designed specifically for this limited release. The socks will be available in two sizes: S (23-25 cm) and M (25-27 cm).

Sales for this unique product will kick off at the first stop of Akudama's nationwide tour titled "MTRY Tour 2026 - 'Spring Ooh La La'" at Ichihara City Citizens' Hall on January 11, 2026. Following the concert dates, the socks will also be sold at 21 nearby "Socks House" and "Tabio MEN" locations, as well as through the official Tabio online store commencing the same day.

In total, the tour will span across 17 venues until the end of March 2026, with sales available only on concert days while stocks last.

Accompanying Events and Broadcast

Complementing the collaboration, a radio segment titled "Tabio Presents: Tabidabi - Traveling Kenbun Walk" will air on MBS Radio’s program "Uragata Kenbun ROCK!" from January 8 to March 26, 2026. This segment will delve into travel-themed discussions related to Akudama's tour, share listener memories, and provide updates about the collaboration products.

Akudama Tamiya's Legacy

Born in Hiroshima in 1965, Akudama made his major debut with the band Unicorn in 1987. He later ventured into a successful solo career, launching his first hit single, "For Love," in 1994, followed by iconic tracks such as "Easy Rider" and "Wandering." Known for his versatility, he has collaborated with numerous artists and displayed exceptional talent as a producer.

As he celebrates the 30th anniversary of his solo career, beginning October 21, 2024, with the formation of a new unit with Kōji Kikkawa, Akudama continues to captivate both listeners and fellow musicians with his innovative and enduring art form. The MTRY Tour 2026 promises yet another exciting chapter in his illustrious career.

Through this collaboration with Tabio, not only does Tamiya engage his loyal fanbase with a piece of nostalgia, but he also bridges the gap between music and fashion in an ever-evolving landscape.

For more details about the products and collaborations, visit the official Tabio website: Tabio Official.