**Asics**
- Year of Origin: 1949 (originally founded as Onitsuka Co., Ltd.)
- Stock Symbol: 7936 (TSE)
The history of ASICS! It's a tale of innovation and athletic passion that runs deeper than a marathon runner's dedication!
ASICS, founded in 1949 in Japan, originally started as Onitsuka Co., Ltd. Its founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka, aimed to promote health through sports. The brand made waves with its first basketball shoes, but it truly hit its stride into the running scene in the 1960s.
In 1977, the name ASICS was officially adopted, an acronym from the Latin phrase "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano," which translates to "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body." Quite the philosophical shoe company, huh? But they don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk (in style, of course!).
Over the decades, ASICS has thrived in performance-focused running shoes, introducing technologies like GEL cushioning to deliver a comfortable ride suitable for athletes. Their reputation continues to grow, with a loyal fan base that appreciates the blend of function and form.