Japan sportswear brand opens R&D center on University of Michigan campus An ASICS running shoe is tested at the company's new research and development center at the University of Michigan.
Japan sportswear brand opens R&D center on University of Michigan campus An ASICS running shoe is tested at the company's new research and development center at the University of Michigan. (Photo by Kenji Asada) ANN ARBOR, Michigan -- Japanese sportswear brand ASICS is staging a resurgence in the U.S. market after years of struggle as its focus on high-performance running shoes pays off, catching up to American giant Nike.