Onitsuka Tiger began as Onitsuka Co. Ltd. in 1949. Unlike other companies that focused on work shoes or mainly adult lines, Onitsuka saw its mission to be one of bringing up physically and mentally sound youth through sports. Teaching a philosophy of teamwork and sportsmanship coupled with spectacular footwear that supported growing feet, Onitsuka created a tradition of original ideas and epock-making techniques that still exists today.

As World War II came to a close and the Japanese people becan to recover from its effects, the populace began to hold a greater appreciation for the benefits of sports. In perfect unison, Onitsuka Tigers were on their feet. Their first basketball shoes (incidentally, also the first basketball shoes in Japan) featured a tiger face design on the arch of the shoe, which soon became Onitsuka's trademark. The popularity of Onitsuka Tiger quickly grew outside of Japan's borders, and during the 1960's, Onitsuka Tiger sports shoes were worn not only by the Japanese, but also by top foreign athletes.

After years of quiet progression, Asics America Corporation resurrected the Onitsuka Tiger brand in 2001, taking the classic design of their shoes and clothes and applying some modern touches with fresh colors and special elements. Since this rebirth of Onitsuka, the brand has seen ever-increasing interest in the shoes and clothing and bags. Asics has kept it low, but the radar is still picking up this real-deal comeback for Onitsuka Tiger!