Onitsuka Tiger
Born in Japan in 1949 — heritage "Tiger" style refined for today.
Onitsuka Tiger is a Japanese fashion and lifestyle brand rooted in the "TIGER" heritage that began in 1949, when Kihachiro Onitsuka started developing sports shoes. Building on its archives and iconic design language — most notably the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes and the classic MEXICO 66 — the brand now offers a wide range of products from sneakers to apparel and bags, blending heritage with contemporary style for a global audience.
PROFILE Company & Brand Story
Onitsuka Tiger's story begins in 1949, when Kihachiro Onitsuka set out to create sports shoes with the belief in the positive power of sport. Starting from performance-driven footwear development, the brand kept refining function and design through the decades.
In the 1960s, the brand's visual identity was strengthened with the emergence of the "Mexico Line" — now recognized as the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes — an enduring symbol that remains central to the brand's aesthetic.
Among the most iconic expressions of that heritage is the MEXICO 66. While rooted in archival design language, it has been continually updated to fit modern wardrobes, and the brand has expanded beyond sneakers into apparel and accessories as a fashion and lifestyle label.
The brand also highlights craftsmanship through the NIPPON MADE series, launched in 2008, focusing on premium materials and careful, detail-oriented production. This line is positioned as a way to experience Japanese craftsmanship through tangible product quality and texture.
In recent years, Onitsuka Tiger has further expanded its fashion expression through YELLOW COLLECTION, presenting collections at Milan Fashion Week — continuing to evolve while keeping its heritage DNA at the core.
Heritage since 1949 and the signature Onitsuka Tiger Stripes
Onitsuka Tiger traces its roots back to 1949. Through continuous development of training and sport shoes, the "Mexico Line" (now known as the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes) emerged in the 1960s and became a defining identity for the brand.
Icon "MEXICO 66" inspired by archival designs from the 1960s
MEXICO 66 is widely known as an icon that combines features from a training shoe that debuted in 1961 with design elements from a model that appeared in 1966. It remains a cornerstone of the brand, offered in a wide variety of materials, colors, and specifications.
NIPPON MADE (since 2008): showcasing Japanese craftsmanship
The NIPPON MADE series began in 2008 to spotlight Japan-made quality and craftsmanship. With premium materials and meticulous finishing — including hand-applied washing processes on selected models — the series emphasizes artisanal work where no two pairs look exactly the same.
YELLOW COLLECTION: fashion at Milan Fashion Week
Through YELLOW COLLECTION, Onitsuka Tiger presents runway collections at Milan Fashion Week — expanding from its sport heritage into contemporary fashion while keeping its classic DNA visible.
PRODUCTS Featured Products & Services
Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66 — Made in Japan
The iconic slim-silhouette sneaker with Onitsuka Tiger Stripes. A versatile classic that works for both casual and smart-casual styling.
View DetailsOnitsuka Tiger SERRANO — Made in Japan
Inspired by 1970s track spikes with a low-profile sole. A lighter, cleaner silhouette for days when you want a minimal footprint.
View DetailsOnitsuka Tiger DELEGATION EX — Made in Japan
Based on a 1964 archive model, updated for modern comfort. A clean, classic shape that works with trousers and skirts alike.
View DetailsOnitsuka Tiger NIPPON MADE — Japan-made premium line
The premium Japan-made series with hand-applied finishing. Each pair has subtle variation in texture and wash — no two are exactly alike.
View DetailsMEDIA Media, Awards & Initiatives
- Onitsuka Tiger's official contents introduce its heritage, icons like MEXICO 66, and craftsmanship-focused lines such as NIPPON MADE.
- YELLOW COLLECTION runway presentations at Milan Fashion Week show the brand's ongoing expansion into contemporary fashion while keeping its heritage DNA.