In 1949, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka began his athletic footwear
company (Onitsuka Co., Ltd.) by manufacturing basketball
shoes out of his living room in Kobe, Japan. He chose the name
ASICS for his company in 1977, based on a famous Latin phrase
"Anima Sana In Corpore Sano", which when translated expresses
the ancient ideal of "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body." Taking the
acronym of this phrase, ASICS was founded on the belief that the
best way to create a healthy and happy lifestyle is to promote total
health and fitness.
ASICS® products were introduced to the United States in 1977 and
brought with them an incredible story of athletic performance and
technical advancements, a philosophy which still holds true today.

Source:
http://www.asicsamerica.com/aboutus/history/

Technology from Japan, just like Honda and Toyota.