ASICS’ latest collection draws on a traditional craft technique without compromising on performance—yet another example of the brand’s deep connection with Japan.
Can a high-performance garment be developed from an ancestral art form? Yes—especially when it’s crafted by the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS), a research-driven hub that stays rooted in tradition.
ASICS Limited Edition LITE-SHOW
The Limited Edition LITE-SHOW garments are designed according to ASICS’ core values of breathability, ergonomic fit and comfort. But they’re also made for low-light training sessions—early mornings and late evenings. The collection features 360-degree reflective patterns inspired by the dragonfly.
Ise Katagami
To create these patterns, ASICS looked—as it has many times before—to Japanese craftsmanship: Ise Katagami.
This age-old technique uses intricately carved paper stencils, similar to graffiti stencils. Traditionally, the paper was made from mulberry bark fibers soaked in persimmon juice, which, through a special drying process, formed a highly durable surface. Sometimes, human hair was used to bind the layers together. During the Edo period (1603–1868), Ise Katagami was the main technique used for dyeing kimonos, often featuring nature-inspired motifs.
In the 19th century, German naturalist Philipp Franz von Siebold visited Japan and introduced Ise Katagami to Europe, sparking a wave of Japonisme that directly influenced Western art.
ASICS continues to honour that heritage through garments inspired by Ise Katagami—combining history with innovation. The result: reflective detailing and technical design in the ASICS Limited Edition Lite-Show™ collection, which includes shorts and windbreakers.
