A Bathing Ape, known universally as BAPE, was founded in 1993 by Tomoaki "Nigo" Nagao in Ura-Harajuku, Tokyo. The brand emerged from the Nowhere boutique, building a cult following through word of mouth in the 1990s Japanese streetwear scene. Its name references a Japanese idiom about bathing apes in lukewarm water and nods to the 1968 film Planet of the Apes. BAPE's signature Ape Head logo and bold camouflage patterns became defining visuals of 2000s streetwear, embraced by hip hop artists and sneaker collectors globally.
The brand's BAPESTA sneakers and shark hoodies became instant grails, cementing its place in street culture. In 2011 BAPE was acquired by Hong Kong fashion group I.T for approximately 2.8 million dollars, and Nigo departed in 2013. Despite the change in ownership, BAPE has remained an active global label, launching Spring Summer 2026 and Fall Winter 2026 collections in recent years. Its graphics remain instantly recognizable, blending Japanese design sensibility with the energy of urban fashion.