The “Samurai Blue” jersey, worn by the Japanese national team, has undergone multiple modifications over time to become the recognisable icon that it is today. Japan is a growing force in international football and one of the best teams in Asia, so the national team shirt is very important to both players and supporters.
When Japan played China in 1917, they wore the first-ever official national team shirt. With a blue foundation colour and red accents on the neck and sleeves, it had a straightforward design.
On the left chest, the national insignia of Japan—a crimson sun with sixteen rays—was also prominently featured. Up until 1936, when the shirt’s sides were adorned with white stripes, its design remained mostly unaltered.
Japan hosted its first Asian Games in 1958, and they won the gold medal in football for the first time ever.
A new jersey was created with red stripes along each side of the blue shirt to honour this remarkable accomplishment. This became known as the “lucky jersey” and was used in upcoming tournaments by numerous successful Japanese teams.
Japan didn’t participate in the FIFA World Cup until 1962, when they wore an all-white uniform with red accents and numbers.
It wasn’t until 1990, though, that Japan officially embraced the moniker “Samurai Blue” and unveiled a striking new design that featured styled samurai armour against a blue background.
Adidas became the Japanese National Team’s official kit supplier in recent years, and for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, they unveiled an updated version of their iconic Samurai Blue shirt.
Intricate designs derived from traditional Japanese craftsmanship were integrated with contemporary technology in the new design to provide maximum performance on the pitch.
Japan’s national team jerseys pay homage to its rich cultural history while showcasing vivid colours and original designs.
While the distinctive crest is still present, other materials have been used, such as sweat-wicking cloth, to improve player comfort and effectiveness.
From its modest beginnings, the Japanese National Team shirt has come a long way to become a symbol of pride and commitment for the country.
With every change, it has evolved from being only an article of apparel to a symbol of Japan’s identity and love of the lovely game.
