ASICS VENTURES INVESTS IN ASHIRASE, DEVELOPER OF A WALKING NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR THE VISUALLY CHALLENGED

ASICS Corporation is pleased to announce that its investment subsidiary, ASICS Ventures Corporation, has invested in Ashirase, Inc. (“Ashirase”), developer of a walking navigation system “ASHIRASE” for the visually challenged.

Ashirase is a startup company and was founded in April 2021 after participating in Honda Motor’s New Business Development Program. With the mission of “Enriching people’s lives through walking,” Ashirase developed walking navigation system “ASHIRASE,” which enables the visually challenged to walk safely without assistance. “ASHIRASE” consists of a smartphone app that accepts voice input of destination and a vibrating interface mounted on footwear. The interface device guides the user using vibrations on the foot, and supports them in reaching their destination without auditory sensation interruption.

Ashirase participated in ASICS Accelerator Program* DEMODAY and received the Award of Excellence in February 2021. Ashirase and ASICS jointly conducted Proof of Concept with visually challenged people supported by the ASICS Institute of Sports Science in March 2022.

A shoe mounted with ASHIRASE

Direction of travel indicated by vibration position. Vibration pattern changes with distance

ASICS’ founding philosophy is “Sound Mind, Sound Body™,” and the company offers products, services, and an environment that contribute to improving the physical and emotional health of people around the world. ASICS hopes the Ashirase will be beneficial to the visually challenged in their pursuit of fitness and sports opportunities. ASICS is fully committed to continue developing and providing value-added products and services to our customers via partnerships with innovative startups.

* ASICS SELECTS FOUR COLLABORATION PROPOSALS AT ITS BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM WITH STARTUPS
https://corp.asics.com/en/press/article/2021-03-17-1
Ashirase's former name was SensinGoodLab.

<About Ashirase>
Name : Ashirase, Inc.
Headquarters : 2-11-6 Motoimaizumi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi
Representative : Ayumu Chino
Business : Developing a walking navigation system “Ashirase” for the visually challenged people.
URL : https://www.ashirase.com/

<About ASICS Ventures>
Name : ASICS Ventures Corporation
Headquarters : 7-1-1 Minatojima-Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, JAPAN
Representative : Akihiro Mori
Business : Investing in startup companies, promoting business development
URL : https://corp.asics.com/en/ventures/