ASICS reveals its new limited-edition footwear and apparel marking the 100th anniversary of Kihachiro Onitsuka, founding father of ASICS. Onitsuka founded the company in 1949 and create ASICS with a clear philosophy: to help people move more and feel healthy in both mind and body. From product innovations based on human-centric science to charitable partnerships, that philosophy continues to drive everything the company does today.
The new products from ASICS, Onitsuka Tiger, and ASICSTIGER were specially created to reflect on Onitsuka’s positive personality and pioneering spirit. Together with ASICS trademark which is comfort and design, the footwear’s fresh sunflower design features striking reds, oranges, and yellows. These were inspired by Vincent van Gogh, Onitsuka’s love of artist [??], and his wish to help people face towards their own bright future in the same way a sunflower reaches for the sun.
Continuing the Onitsuka legacy
To ensure that Onitsuka’s legacy of inspiring future generation continues, ASICS will be partnering with Right To Play – an organisation that uses sport and play to improve the lives of children in deprived communities around the world. $10 from every KO100TM shoe or clothing purchase will be sponsored for one child in Lebanon to play sports for 10 weeks.
CEO of ASICS Corporation, Motoi Oyama said,
Kihachiro Onitsuka built ASICS because he wanted to help people develop a healthy and active lifestyle and, ultimately, be happier. Much like sunflowers, he always headed towards the light and this was reflected in his personality and management style. These limited-edition products and the partnership with Right To Play are our way of celebrating his vision and passion on what would have been his 100th birthday. We also want to remind people that as modern life gets busier, Kihachiro Onitsuka’s desire to create sound minds and bodies has never been more important – both for individuals and society as a whole. Watch this space for more centennial celebrations as the year goes on!
ASICS limited-edition products
ASICS GEL-QUANTUMTM 360 KO100
Made with 360 degrees of ASICS GEL technology cushioning, the GEL-QUANTUM 360 KO100 is available for both male and females balances high performance and comfort. The heel designed was inspired by ‘himawari’ or ‘sunflower’ in Japanese. The rubber sole and knit upper is in the shades of yellow and orange – which was designed to mimic the range of tones in sunflower.
It will be retailing from S$259 and 1918 pairs of the limited editions will be available globally each.
ASICSTIGER GEL-MAITM KO100
ASICSTIGER GEL-MAI KO100 is a unisex shoe that offers a unique asymmetrical eyelet stay which tightens around both the forefoot and also the ankle of the shoe. The volume of the midsole emphasizes the fuzeGEL technology and superior cushioning, which is the key feature of GEL-MAI. The multi-coloured upper includes a subtle sunflower inspired patterns splashed along the mesh and suede overlays.
It will be retailing from S$189 and 1918 pairs of the limited editions will be available globally.
ONITSUKA TIGER CORSAIRTM KO100
TIGER CORSAIR is a unisex sneaker that features an increase in cushioning, arch cookies, a full-length midsole, thicker heel and E.V.A. midsole material to give the shoe a comfortable feel. The new upper design features a splayed sunflower print while maintaining the same silhouette of the original TIGER CORSAIR sneaker.
It will be retailing from S$169 and 1918 pairs of the limited editions will be available globally.
KO100 apparel
The limited edition KO100 apparel is a unisex set that consists of the SS Tee and Jersey Pant. Both the SS Tee and Jersey Pant were made from recycled materials and without the use of fabric to reflect on ASICS’ commitment toward sustainability and Kihachiro Onitsuka’s founding vision. The KO100 apparel features the trio of ASICS logos – ASICS, ASICSTIGER and Onitsuka Tiger and an embroidered gold sunflower on the SS Tee. It will be retailing from S$189.
ASICS have also partnered with GIPHY, the world’s first and largest GIF platform, to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kihachiro Onitsuka. In collaboration with GIPHY, ASICS will be creating a series of ASICS Stand with The Sun GIPHY stickers for people to use in their daily social conversation, such as Instagram Stories and Facebook Posts. The collaboration will be available from 16th May.
The products will be available at ASICS Plaza Singapura, ASICS Vivo City, and Onitsuka Tiger Suntec City. The apparels will be available at ASICS Plaza Singapura and Onitsuka Tiger Suntec City. All of the products will be available in the respective stores from May 29, 2018.
