This is the first comprehensive book on the creative universe of NIGO (Tomoaki Nagao) – charting his journey from Toyko in the 1980s to global tastemaker, via a career as influential fashion designer, DJ and record producer. With contributions from NIGO, Pharrell, Yoon Ahn, Tiffany Godoy, Esme Hawes, Rachel Hajek NIGO’s pioneering streetwear brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) drew on his love of American hip-hop and pop culture; nearly 30 years later he became artistic director at luxury fashion house KENZO. He is also a collaborator on brands such as Billionaire Boys Club with Pharrell Williams, and is a member of hip-hop supergroup Teriyaki Boyz.

Created in close collaboration with NIGO and his team, this richly illustrated book features texts by leading voices in fashion, design and culture, together with personal insights from three current collaborators (Pharrell Williams, TET Nishiyama and Fraser Cooke). Specially commissioned new photography focuses on objects from NIGO’s archive, published here for the first time. These include items from his youth, alongside collectible merchandise, vintage garments, music and film ephemera, and printed matter – all of which have informed his later creative work.

The book also explores NIGO’s more recent discovery of pottery making, studying with ceramic artists and learning the rituals of the Japanese tea ceremony. Immersing the reader in NIGO's world, this volume explores how creative elements such as street culture, Americana and Japanese traditions have impacted this multifaceted practitioner, who has been shaping contemporary culture for over three decades.