On May 18, ASICS Japan opened a new facility, "ASICS CONNECTION TOKYO," along the Sumida River in Tokyo. It features a cafe and fitness studio. This marks the first time a private company has operated a cafe in a park in Sumida Ward. The store spans two floors, covering approximately 110 square meters. The first floor houses the cafe and reception, while the second floor houses the fitness studio, showers, and lockers. In 2015, ASICS Japan signed a "Tokyo 2020 Gold Partner" agreement with the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the highest level of sponsorship in Japan in the sporting goods category. Last August, ASICS opened the "ASICS Station Store Shinagawa," a directly managed showroom located inside Keikyu Shinagawa Station on the Keikyu Line between Haneda and Tokyo. In October, the company opened an "Onitsuka Tiger" in-store shop at Isetan The Japan Store Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. In addition, ASICS plans to relocate and reopen its largest flagship store in Japan in October. ASICS Connection Tokyo is part of the company's efforts toward the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond. Based on the concept of a sustainable community space, the store offers a sports-focused lifestyle for local residents and domestic and international tourists visiting the Sumida River area. Located near Asakusa, the store offers a close-up view of Tokyo Skytree from the second floor. The exterior is based on a white theme to blend in with the surrounding nature, with ample glass used to allow in ample natural light. The first-floor cafe offers a wide variety of menu items, from bagels (500-650 yen) and udon pasta (800 yen) to desserts like soft serve ice cream and granola (350-400 yen), snacks like edamame, mixed nuts, and chips (300-500 yen), coffee, juice, alcohol, and takeout options. Picnic plans, including speakers and picnic blankets, are also available for rental (1,000 yen). Meanwhile, the fitness studio on the second floor offers approximately 180 sessions per month across 30 different programs, including yoga and Pilates. Monthly membership plans include a Regular Pass (¥8,800), Weekday Pass (¥6,800), Holiday Pass (¥6,800), Weekday Night Pass (¥6,300), and a Run-Walk Pass (¥3,800), which includes outdoor running with a professional instructor. Other plans include locker and shower access (¥600), participation in a single studio program (¥3,000), and participation in a single run-and-walk program (¥1,500). At the opening ceremony, ASICS Japan President Manabu Nishimae said, "The cafe business (operated by Shochiku Service Network) and the fitness business (operated by BEACH TOWN) are major new challenges. As a Gold Partner, we not only provide high-quality apparel and shoes to the national team athletes, but also want to create opportunities for many people to experience sports."

Female wrestler Icho Kaori also appeared as a guest. "I'm not thinking about the Tokyo Olympics yet, and I haven't been practicing much lately. I just run a little in the morning and don't go to the dojo anymore. Right now I'm in a period where I'm recharging. I want to enjoy my life a little more," said Icho. "It's an open space and the bagels are really delicious. I'll eat a bagel after an early morning run, then have udon pasta for lunch. I'll have some alcohol in the evening and enjoy the day."

[Shop information]
ASICS Connection Tokyo
Address: 1-23-8 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 21:00
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00 to 18:00 (9:00 to 19:00 from May to August)
Open every day