Asics

The US arm of Japan-based apparel and shoemaker Asics is opening a product creation and design studio near South Station. Asics’ initial presence will run to about 50 people in a 25,000-square-foot office space.

With its new space, the shoemaker, a favorite among serious runners, will be competing against other major brands locating in Boston — including New Balance, Converse, and Reebok — for talented innovators as it focuses on casual runners and even nonathletes.