The Origin of Onitsuka Tiger: From Octopus on a Bowl, Then Goes Global

Origin of Onitsuka Tiger: From Octopus on a Bowl, Then Goes Global

"Onitsuka Tiger"

In the beginning

Dream - Onitsuka Tiger Brand may not be unfamiliar to sports shoe lovers, especially athletic sports such as running, cross country, and so on. However, now the Onitsuka Tiger brand is not only targeting athletics, but also other sports branches such as soccer, golf, cricket, fencing, and even tennis.

"Onitsuka Tiger"

But did Sahabat Dream know that this sportswear label was initially established to empower the community in the field of sports after World War II?

Dream/Shuutterstock

The founder of the Onitsuka Tiger brand, Kihachiro Onitsuka, believed that sports activities are the best access to transforming lifestyles, especially in the post-World War era. Through Asics Ltd, which is a new company under Onitsuka Tiger, Kihachiro introduced the slogan Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, which means a healthy mind in a healthy body. It all started in the 1940s, which marked the beginning of World War II. As a result of the war, people forgot about their own health.

The Origin of Onitsuka Tiger: From Octopus on a Bowl, Then Goes Global

First Basketball Shoes Onitsuka Tiger

"To empower the public health post-war, Kihachiro dreamt of creating flexible and comfortable sports shoes. In 1949, the footwear with the label Onitsuka Tiger was established. At that time, Kihachiro created basketball shoes that resembled straw sandals. Unfortunately, the basketball shoes were not widely popular among the public."

Kihachiro also created a new model of basketball shoes in 1951. These shoes were inspired when Kihachiro saw eight octopus arms on a bowl. The shoes, named Ok Basketball Shoe, sold like hotcakes in the market. The grip feature enables basketball players to act quickly and agilely on the court.

Magic Runner, Special Shoes for Long Distance Runners

Brilliant ideas reemerged in 1960 when Kihachiro witnessed the reaction of his feet when they touched hot water. Previously, a medical professor had also explained that high temperatures can cause the skin to easily blister. Building on these two experiences, Kihachiro created special shoes for long-distance runners called Magic Runner. These special shoes for long-distance running have drilling holes feature that allows for more air circulation.

"Onitsuka Tiger"

"Magic Runner, Special Shoes for Long-Distance Runners"

Brilliant ideas reemerged in 1960 when Kihachiro witnessed the reaction of his soles as they touched hot water. Previously, a medical professor also explained that high temperature can cause the skin to easily blister.

Departing from these two experiences, Kihachiro created special shoes for long-distance runners called Magic Runner. These special shoes for long-distance running have drilling holes feature that allows for more air circulation. When worn for long-distance running, the feet will feel comfortable and not quickly become hot due to the repeated movements that occur along the route that is passed through.

"Onitsuka Tiger"

The Birth of Onitsuka Tiger with the Iconic ASICS Line

"In the Tokyo Games event in 1964, it invited a number of creative innovations from Kihachiro. One of the results of his creation is the Runspark shoes. These shoes have sharp track spikes but are coated with soft foam to easily grip the ground without feeling pain."

The creation of Asics line.

Two years later, the iconic Onitsuka Tiger shoes with Asics stripes were born, which until now have become a favorite of jogging enthusiasts and athletes. The accent of the stripes on both sides first appeared officially on the Limber Up Leather BK shoes during the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Co-Founder Nike Kepincut Onitsuka Tiger

Three years later, this brand was crowned as the leading sports shoe maker in Japan. Onitsuka Tiger with the Asics line caught the attention of the world, including American runners and Nike co-founder, Bill Bowerman. Bill met Kihachiro at an athletic shoe marketing study event. Unexpectedly, he also wanted Blue Ribbon Sports (Nike's original company name when it was first established) to bring Onitsuka Tiger to America.

In the 1970s decade, Onitsuka Tiger introduced FABRE, short for FAstBREak. The Japanese national team wore FABRE during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where they successfully ranked 14th.

"Onitsuka Tiger"

The Legendary Collection of Onitsuka Tiger

The lifestyle and fashion trends of the 70s inspired Kihachiro to design jogging shoes called The California. The iconic Onitsuka Tiger shoes target sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Now, in addition to producing specialized athletic shoes, Asics continues to market the antique collection of Onitsuka Tiger but in a more refreshing format. Both in terms of design, color, and accentuation.

The collection for the general public who wants to wear sports shoes in their daily activities is divided into the categories of Mexico 66, California 78, and Nippon Made.

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