Onitsuka Tiger, Back to Its Roots
The brand has inaugurated its first dedicated production site in the hometown region of its founder, where craftsmanship meets cutting-edge design.
Beyond a Conventional Factory, a Place Rooted in Community and Human Connection
The Onitsuka Innovative Factory embodies the values of Onitsuka Tiger as a cultural hub dedicated to sharing Japanese craftsmanship with the world.
Established in Sakaiminato, in Japan’s Tottori Prefecture, the Onitsuka Innovative Factory (OIF) traces its origins back to a factory founded in 1969 in the birthplace of founder Kihachiro Onitsuka. Conceived as a hub for sharing exceptional Japanese craftsmanship and an uncompromising approach to manufacturing with the world, the facility is set to play a central role in the brand’s innovation strategy alongside the Milan Design Center, dedicated to advanced design development, and The ASICS Institute of Sport Science in Kobe, where new technologies are explored and refined.
Within the OIF, Onitsuka Tiger has established an integrated system overseeing every stage of production, from material development to design and manufacturing. In addition to producing the ‘Nippon Made’ line—for which every step, from cutting and stitching to molding and finishing, is carried out entirely in Japan—the facility will also strengthen production of ‘The Onitsuka,’ a more formal leather shoe line defined by elevated craftsmanship and refined silhouettes.
Among the OIF’s defining strengths are its exclusive finishing techniques, including specialised washing and dyeing processes. Inside the finishing workshop, each pair is meticulously washed by hand by skilled artisans before being carefully softened and shaped entirely by hand. This time-intensive process gives the shoes a distinctive texture and comfort, evoking the feel of a pair that has already been worn and cherished for years from the very first day.
Since its founding in 1949, and now approaching its centenary as it looks toward its next hundred years, Onitsuka Tiger continues to evolve on the global stage as a luxury brand born in Japan. The Onitsuka Innovative Factory stands today as a powerful expression of that ambition.
Onitsuka Innovative Factory, detail.
In addition to exhibitions offering a glimpse into the brand’s history, the gallery also houses the Onitsuka Gallery Store, where exclusive models and made-to-order services are available.
Where the Tradition of Craftsmanship Lives On
Using gold paint, artisans apply colour by hand. As a result, each pair carries subtle variations unique to hand craftsmanship.
The iconic Onitsuka Tiger stripes are embroidered onto the cut leather pieces. The upper is then assembled and moulded before the sole is attached and the finishing touches complete the shoe.
During the washing process, the shoes are immersed in warm water mixed with a specialised solution, then carefully softened and shaped entirely by hand.
A Pair That Expresses the Full Craftsmanship of ‘Nippon Made’
Among the iconic shoes created by Onitsuka Tiger, the ‘MEXICO 66’ remains one of the brand’s most beloved classics worldwide. The premium ‘MEXICO 66 DELUXE’ line reinterprets the silhouette in supple goat leather, with each pair hand-washed by artisans. The heel tab and tongue label are finished with hand-applied silver detailing. ¥33,000 / Onitsuka Tiger (Onitsuka Tiger Japan)
Rich Texture and Depth, Even in Suede
The ‘MEXICO 66 DELUXE’ is available in a wide range of variations, including models crafted from finely textured suede. Featuring a warm beige upper subtly contrasted by black Onitsuka Tiger stripes and a dark sole, the pair blends naturally into everyday wear. The insole is stamped with the brand’s logo alongside the words ‘Made in Japan.’ ¥33,000 / Onitsuka Tiger (Onitsuka Tiger Japan)