Onitsuka Tiger became the driving force of Asics' sales growth in the second quarter and first half of 2026. Onitsuka Tiger. Photo: Alexis Presa / Unsplash
17.08.2026 2864

Onitsuka Tiger became the driving force of Asics' sales growth in the second quarter and first half of 2026.

In its first-half 2026 report, Asics reported a 62,1% increase in profit to 35,6 billion yen in the second quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, the company's net revenue increased by 35,9% to 264,2 billion yen, writes Footwearnews.com.

In the first quarter, the premium brand Onitsuka Tiger performed particularly well, demonstrating "strong demand from inbound tourism." Sales also grew in Europe and Greater China. For the first half of 2026, profit increased by 53,3% to ¥82,1 billion, while net revenue increased by 32,7% to ¥534,4 billion.

At Onitsuka Tiger, net revenue for the first half of the year ended June rose 35,9% to ¥89,5 billion, reflecting double-digit growth in all regions, led by Japan.

The brand's largest flagship store in the world opened in July in Shinjuku, Japan. A new flagship also opened in Shanghai, and another store opened in Nagoya, Japan, in August.

Flagship stores are scheduled to open in Milan in September, Seoul in October, and Los Angeles in 2027.

In June, Asics announced plans to spin off Onitsuka Tiger effective January 1, 2027. The nearly 80-year-old brand will be spun off into a new Asics subsidiary called OT Group Corp. This move will help the brand strengthen its position in the premium lifestyle segment.

In Asics' athletic footwear category, net revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2026 increased by 19,3% to 220,6 billion yen, driven by continued strong sales growth of the Bounce model and the successful launch of the Gel-Kayano 33, which was released in June.

The sales growth was driven by strong sales of the Gel-1130, Gel-NYC and Gel-Kayano 14 models, as well as the successful launch of the Gel-Cumulus 16 and Gel-NYC 2.0 models.

In the athletic footwear category, net revenue for the first half of the year increased by 83,0% to 123,1 billion yen. This growth was driven by strong sales of the Gel-1130, Gel-NYC, and Gel-Kayano 14 models, as well as the successful launch of the Gel-Cumulus 16 and Gel-NYC 2.0 models.

In the Asics walking footwear segment, net revenue in the first half of the year increased by 9,8% to ¥8,6 billion. Successful walking shoe models include the Runwalk Trad Sneaker and the Gel-Ridewalk GTX 2.

As part of Asics Walking's repositioning as a premium brand, the company will also gradually update the design of its flagship stores.

Asics plans international expansion in the second half of 2026, beginning in Greater China and other regions. The company also plans to restructure its domestic operations and consolidate its loyalty programs under the "OneAsics" brand.

As part of a restructuring of its internal operations, Asics Trading Co. Ltd. will transfer its walking footwear business to Asics Corp. and Asics Japan Co., Ltd. effective January 1, 2027.

Operations related to Asics Trading will be wound down and the company will then be dissolved and liquidated.

The company expects a loss of 7,0 billion yen due to the transition period, which includes a special transition support program for employees affected by the changes.

In the core sportswear and footwear segments, net income for the six months rose 24,9% to 55,1 billion yen, driven by strong sales growth in tennis and sports such as volleyball.

In the apparel category, net revenue for the six months ending June 2026 increased by 28,1% to 25,6 billion yen. Sales growth was driven by Europe, where strong running apparel sales were seen, as well as regions including Greater China, North America, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.

Looking ahead, Asics forecasts net revenue of 1,050 trillion yen in fiscal 2026, up from its previous forecast of 950 billion yen. Profit is projected at 120 billion yen, up from its previous forecast of 110 billion yen.

 

In its first-half 2026 report, Asics reported a 62,1% increase in profit to 35,6 billion yen in the second quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, the company's net revenue increased by 35,9% to 264,2…
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