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Onitsuka Tiger was founded in Japan in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, a 31 year old former military officer. In an effort to help rebuild his country following the ruin of World War II, he focused on sport as a way of transforming the delinquent youths he saw on the streets.

In the 1940?s, basketball was growing in popularity among students and children. Through observing the local school basketball team, interviewing coaches and a stroke of inspiration Onitsuka had one night during a dinner in which an octopus stuck to one of his plates, Onitsuka introduced a breakthrough innovation ? the basketball shoe with octopus sole. The sole featured suction cups that allowed players to make sudden stops and sudden starts with ease.

Onitsuka also gained inspiration elsewhere. One day during a taxi ride, he was involved in a near accident when a child ran in front of the car. He realised it was the car?s tires that helped the car stop so suddenly and avert danger. This led to the design of the caterpillar line soles, inspired by tire treads.

Over the years the innovation kept flowing and Onitsuka Tiger received endorsements for its shoes from coaches, Olympic athletes and a global market.

In 1977, Onitsuka Tiger merged with GTO (a sportswear and net manufacturer) and Jelenk (a knitwear manufacturer), to form the ASICS Corporation. Kihachiro Onitsuka continued on as a creative force but from then on new shoes were launched under the ASICS brand.

In 2001 a vintage range of shoes was re-introduced under the Onitsuka Tiger label and became a cult favourite and instant success. Onitsuka Tiger apparel was re-introduced in 2003. Today, the revival continues to reflect the original, innovative spirit of Onitsuka Tiger.

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