HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A man who’s made a career for himself kicking butt is now getting his own custom kicks.
Vans is paying tribute to Hilo’s own Gerald Okamura with the Okamura Legend Slip-ons, releasing on Oct. 30.
The sneakers pay homage to a 2019 cartoon of Okamura titled “Okamura Legend,” created by artist Steve Nazar.
The design shows Okamura using a sword to slice through a giant tentacled sea creature while he surfs away from a horde of ninjas.
Nazar based that artwork on his own 1980s “Thrilla Gorilla and Da’ Boys” clothing line from T&C Surf Design.
Okamura, also known as “the man of many weapons,” graduated from Hilo High in 1958 and now lives in Los Angeles.
The 85-year-old is a 5th-degree black belt in kung fu and San Soo.
His list of Hollywood credits include a

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