ASICS ESTABLISHES THE ASICS FOUNDATION ASICS Demonstrates its Commitment to Supporting More People to Achieve A Sound Mind In A Sound Body

[April 9, 2025 – KOBE, JAPAN] - ASICS Corporation announces the launch of the ASICS Foundation, dedicated to addressing social issues through exercise and sport. The Foundation aims to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals in diverse communities.

ASICS has always championed the role of sport and movement in uplifting individuals and communities. Founded on the belief that sport positively impacts both the body and mind, this principle is encapsulated in the name ASICS—“Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” meaning a Sound Mind In A Sound Body. Now, with the mental wellbeing of billions under pressure and physical activity levels in decline, ASICS is reaffirming its commitment to its founding purpose by supporting more individuals to experience the benefits of sport and movement on both body and mind.

The ASICS Foundation will support projects and organisations that share its belief in the power of movement on body and mind. It will provide grants to organisations that support young people, individuals with disabilities, women, and those facing social or economic hardships through sports and exercise initiatives. Initially, the grant programmes will target regions where ASICS operates, starting with Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Japan.

The Foundation will promote sports engagement through grants and infrastructure development. This includes organising sports competitions and events, implementing comprehensive sports programmes, training coaches and sports leaders, and creating engaging sports content. Additionally, the Foundation will enhance physical infrastructure by improving school and park grounds, building sports facilities, and providing necessary sports equipment.

The Foundation welcomes former professional table tennis player Kasumi Ishikawa and ASICS ambassador and model Mei Ichinose as board members. Their invaluable experiences and insights will guide the Foundation’s initiatives alongside other esteemed directors, auditors, and councillors.

ASICS envisions a future where everyone can lead a healthy life, both mentally and physically, by engaging in exercise and sports. This vision, rooted in ASICS’s founding philosophy, is being realised through "VISION 2030," focusing on Product Innovation, Advanced Analysis and Diagnosis, and Facility and Community Development.

〇Comments from Tomoko Koda, Chairperson of ASICS Foundation

The establishment of the ASICS Foundation is an important step toward further expanding ASICS’ philosophy of contributing to society through exercise and sport. We believe that sport has the power to enhance both the body and mind, fostering hope and courage. Through the foundation's activities, we aim to provide opportunities for individuals facing social and economic challenges, empowering as many people as possible to reach their full potential.

〇 Comments from Kasumi Ishikawa, Board Member of the ASICS Foundation

I have felt the power of sport not only through my competitive career in table tennis but also through my post-retirement activities, youth development and international exchanges. Sports can transcend age and borders, connect people and give them the joy of challenging themselves and growing. I am committed to spreading the benefits of exercise and sports, drawing on my own experiences.

〇Comments from Mei Ichinose, Board Member of the ASICS Foundation

As a para-athlete myself, I have had to overcome many hurdles. To eliminate at least a few of these hurdles, I have thrown myself into my sport as a way of making my voice heard. Therefore, I am incredibly pleased to continue to engage in activities through sports with the ASICS Foundation even after my retirement as an athlete. Understanding the power of sports, I believe the foundation will change the future of many people and I will do my best to play my part in making that future a reality.

〇Overview of the ASICS Foundation

Name　　　　　 ASICS Foundation

Address　　　　 Daiwa Kobe Building, 1-2-4 Sannomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

Chairperson　　　Tomoko Koda (Managing Director, ASICS Corporation)

Activities                 ・Provide grants to organisations that provide support through exercise

and sports to young people, individuals with disabilities, women, and others in social or economic hardships.

                                   ・Other activities necessary to achieve the objectives of the foundation
Date Established 　 April 1, 2025

〇Officers of the ASICS Foundation

【Representative Director】

Tomoko Koda Managing Executive Officer at ASICS Corp.

【Councilors】

Eriko Izumi Executive Officer, General Manager of Legal Dep at ASICS Corp.

Nami Kishida Author

Akemi Masuda Sports Journalist, Professor, Osaka University of Arts

【Directors】

Kasumi Ishikawa Former pro table tennis player

Mei Ichinose Paralympian swimmer, model, speaker

Seiko Inoue General Manager, Susutainablity Dep at ASICS Corp.

Chieko Kibe Professor, Toin University of Yokohama

Iyoko Jin Representative Director, Para SC Esperansa

Terumi Hanagata Director, Foundationand Arts Center Promotion Department, at Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

【Auditors】

Yoko Kudo Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member at SoftBank Corp.; Auditor, JOC/Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Foundation

Megumi Suzuki Accounting Dep at ASICS Corp.

【 Secretary General】

Masayo Hasegawa ASICS employee designated to the Foundation