In 1949, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka started his sports shoe business (Onitsuka Co., Ltd.) by manufacturing basketball shoes in his living room in Kobe, Japan. In 1977, he chose to name his company ASICS after the famous Latin phrase anima sana in corpore sano, which translates as "a healthy mind in a healthy body", expressing the ideal of the ancient world. As a result of the acronym of this phrase, ASICS was founded on the belief that the best way to create a healthy and happy lifestyle is to promote health and integral well-being. ASICS products first appeared in the United States in 1977, bringing with them an incredible history of athletic performance and technological advancements; this philosophy is still being promoted today.

In May 1990, ASICS opened the doors of the Research Institute of Sports Science in Kobe. Since then, this unique location where researchers, athletes and coaches work together has generated many remarkable technological innovations in athletic footwear and apparel.

ASICS is committed to promoting harmony of body and mind.