ASICS Corporation
Japanese multinational corporation that produces sports equipment, footwear, and apparel, specializing in running shoes and athletic performance gear.
Company Type
public
Founded
1949
Headquarters
Kobe, Japan
Stock
TSE (Tokyo Stock Exchange): 7936
About ASICS Corporation
ASICS Corporation is a leading Japanese multinational company specializing in sports equipment, footwear, and apparel. The company operates through a global network of subsidiaries, distributors, and retail operations across Asia, Europe, North America, and other international markets.
The company maintains significant investment in research and development, operating the ASICS Institute of Sport Science in Kobe and other research facilities globally. ASICS Corporation focuses on technical innovation in athletic footwear and apparel, conducting extensive research on biomechanics, sports science, and materials technology.
ASICS Corporation serves both performance athletes and casual consumers through its diverse product portfolio, which includes running shoes, training footwear, court sports equipment, and lifestyle apparel. The company's emphasis on technical performance and quality has established it as a respected brand in the global sports industry.
History of ASICS Corporation
ASICS Corporation was founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka as Onitsuka Co., Ltd. in Kobe, Japan. The company began by manufacturing basketball shoes in post-war Japan, with Onitsuka's philosophy centered on using sports to promote youth development and well-being.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Onitsuka Tiger expanded beyond basketball into running shoes and other sports categories, gaining recognition for quality and innovation. The company's distinctive crossed stripes design became a signature element, and the brand began exporting products internationally.
In 1977, Onitsuka Co., Ltd. merged with GTO and JELENK to form ASICS Corporation, adopting the name ASICS (Anima Sana In Corpore Sano - A Sound Mind in a Sound Body). This merger expanded the company's capabilities and established the foundation for its future as a multinational sports equipment manufacturer.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, ASICS Corporation established itself as a leader in technical running shoes, introducing innovative cushioning technologies like the GEL system. The company expanded globally and developed specialized footwear for various sports while maintaining its reputation for performance-oriented design.
Brands Owned by ASICS Corporation
ASICS Corporation owns 1 brand in our database.
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Stock Information
ASICS Corporation Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong Japanese heritage and reputation for quality manufacturing
- +Technical innovation in footwear technology and sports science research
- +Global distribution network with strong presence in Asian markets
- +Focus on performance and athletic functionality
- +Established brand credibility among serious athletes
Considerations
- -Intense competition from global athletic brands like Nike and Adidas
- -Dependence on specialty athletic market versus mass-market appeal
- -Manufacturing complexity across multiple countries
- -Need for continuous R&D investment to maintain technical advantage
- -Currency fluctuations affecting international operations
Frequently Asked Questions About ASICS Corporation
Is ASICS Corporation publicly traded?
Yes, ASICS Corporation is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker symbol 7936, allowing investors to own shares in the company.
Who founded ASICS Corporation?
ASICS Corporation was founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949 as Onitsuka Co., Ltd., later renamed ASICS Corporation following a merger in 1977.
What is ASICS Corporation's market position?
ASICS Corporation holds a strong position in the performance athletic footwear market, particularly in running shoes and technical sports equipment, competing globally with major athletic brands.
Where is ASICS Corporation headquartered?
ASICS Corporation maintains its corporate headquarters in Kobe, Japan, where the company was originally founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka.
Does ASICS Corporation own other brands?
Yes, ASICS Corporation owns the ASICS performance brand and the Onitsuka Tiger heritage lifestyle brand, along with various sport-specific product lines.
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