The Japanese national squad, affectionately known as "Samurai Blue," is back with a scorching new look. The latest design by Yohji Yamamoto brings a fresh twist to their iconic kits, infusing them with a fiery blue flame motif.
Gone is the familiar royal blue of the 2022 kits and the sky blue of the 2021 centenary kits. Instead, Yamamoto has opted for an ultra-dark navy base with several shades deepe evoking the intensity and spirit of the Samurai Blue name. This rich blue foundation is the perfect canvas for the blue flames that rise from the bottom hem, linking up the front left shoulder in a style reminiscent of the designs seen on Real Madrid and Palace kits.
The new jersey doesn’t just stop at bold graphics. It's designed with Japan’s football crest and the sleek Y-3 logo, making it a true blend of tradition and contemporary sportstyle. The Y-3 line, a collaborative brainchild of Yamamoto and adidas, has been pushing the boundaries of sports fashion for over twenty years, and this latest offering is no exception. Interestingly, flame graphics have a deep-rooted connection to the team’s history. Back in 1998, when Japan first qualified for the World Cup, they wore a kit that became legendary. Fast forward to today, and the flames are back, symbolizing the burning ambition and passion of the squad.
But the excitement doesn’t end with the home jersey. The new range includes an eye-catching white and red away kit, complete with matching shorts. These fiery designs extend beyond the pitch, gracing long sleeve pre-match jerseys, a reversible souvenir jacket, scarves, and more. It’s a full-fledged collection that captures the essence of Samurai Blue both on and off the field. The release of these kits is being rolled out in stages. The on-pitch designs had a special pre-launch drop on June 22 via adidas and select retailers. The complete range is available now on Adidas.
