Suponsered by
Onitsuka Tiger’s international reputation and influence, which is connected to that huge brand.
Their outstanding performances in international competitions attracted strong interest from around the world. Phil Knight, a middle-distance runner at the time, fell in love with Onitsuka Tiger and approached the company to negotiate sales rights in the U.S. Blue Ribbon Sports was established as a local distributor. The famous “TIGER CORTEZ” (today’s TIGER CORSAIR) and wrestling shoes that emerged from the company became a hit product, creating a huge boom on the West Coast. In fact, this distributor would later become the global brand “NIKE,” and Mr. Phil would make a name for himself as the founder of that giant sports brand. …… is a famous story that shows the deep connection between Japan and Nike.
The disappearance of the ” Onitsuka Tiger ” name in the 70’s……
The company’s business performance seemed to be going well, as it made a name for itself overseas as a running shoe brand and went public as “Onitsuka K.K.,” thanks in part to the Olympic economy, but it went downhill with the end of the economy. Then, in 1977, the company and brand name were changed to the current ” ASICS ” as a result of a business merger with another company. The company also produced masterpieces such as the “CALIFORNIA,” a shoe developed for jogging, but the name “Onitsuka Tiger” would disappear once and for all.
However, although the company name has changed to ASICS, Onitsuka Tiger continues to maintain its position as one of the world’s leading sports brands, and its respect for Japanese craftsmanship lives on. And the timeless value of the company’s shoes has made them beloved as town-use shoes from the competition shoes of the past.
3/8GO TO NEXT PAGE
