Whether you are passionate about fashion or sneakers, Onitsuka Tiger will certainly ring in your ears. Dive into the authentic story of this Japanese fashion icon and explore his close ties to the ASICS brand.
Who is Kihachiro Onitsuka?
Kihachiro Onitsuka was the founder of ASICS, a renowned brand of sports footwear. Born in Japan in 1918, Onitsuka was a military veteran who later decided to enter the footwear industry.
Kihachiro Onitsuka had a passion for sport and believed in its transformative power. He created the first pair of Onitsuka Tiger shoes using materials available after the Second World War. The brand quickly became known for its commitment to quality and innovation in sports footwear.
Convinced that physical activity contributes to a healthy lifestyle, he founded his own company, Onitsuka Co. in 1949.
The Origins of the brand
In its early days, the company was known as "Onitsuka Co., Ltd." with the aim of contributing to the reconstruction of post-war Japan by encouraging young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle through sport. The brand's mission was to inspire, support and encourage individuals at all levels, from novice to professional, to adopt an active lifestyle. Kihachiro Onitsuka initially focused his production on footwear for athletes, concentrating in particular on basketball shoes.
In 1977, Onitsuka Co. merged with two other Japanese footwear manufacturers to create ASICS, whose acronym stands for "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano" (A healthy mind in a healthy body). However, the Onitsuka Tiger brand has been maintained as a sub-brand of ASICS, continuing to produce retro lifestyle footwear. It retains a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of the brand's history. Over time, Onitsuka Tiger shoes have become emblematic in fashion and sneaker culture.
The Onitsuka Tiger
The Onitsuka Tiger range offers a variety of models, from casual sneakers to sports shoes and basketball-inspired designs. They are renowned for their comfort, durability and timeless style. In addition to their use in sporting contexts, Onitsuka Tiger shoes have become icons of fashion and sneaker culture, attracting retro shoe lovers and urban style enthusiasts alike.
You can read our article about The Onituska Tiger Mexico 66 Kill Bill just here.
Over the years, various collaborations have taken place, such as :
- Onitsuka Tiger x URUSEI YATSURA
- Onitsuka Tiger x Astro Boy
- Onitsuka Tiger x Audi
More colors...
Inspirations outfits...
You can find the Onitsuka Tiger on our website or directly in store.