By the late 1970s, the “Jogging Boom” in the United States had spread worldwide and had quickly gained popularity in Japan.

At the centre of Onitsuka Tiger's jogging shoes at the time was the California, named in honour of the birthplace of the popular activity. The company was concerned with the safety of runners while jogging at night, Onitsuka Tiger California was the first Onitsuka Tiger trainer to use mesh and came equipped with large reflective pieces for better visibility.

The Onitsuka Tiger California 78 keeps the overall design of the original trainer with additional special details commemorating the state and one of its symbols.