The Blue Samurai, Japan’s national soccer team, will be fighting their way through this year’s FIFA World Cup tournament with the help of one of the world’s most recognizable characters. Adidas announced on Saturday that Pikachu, everyone’s favorite electrifying mouse-like creature, will be joined by 10 other Pokemon to cheer on the boys in blue.
The official promotional image features Captain Pikachu surrounded by Chespin, Bulbasaur, Pancham, Froakie, Meowth, Fennekin, Charmander, Helioptile, Litleo, and Squirtle . All Pokemon are dressed in Team Japan’s offiical kit for the matches.
The always adorable Pokemon will be right at home with Brazil’s official mascot for the games, an equally cute blue and yellow armadillo named Fuelco. It’s unclear how much of an advantage choosing Pikachu and friends will be, but it’s certain that come June, Japan will have the cutest team in the world.
Baskin Robbins Japan gets into the FIFA World Cup spirit — with colorful Brazilian-themed sherbet!
Otsukare-sama deshita: A look back at Team Japan’s time at the World Cup
Now even countries that aren’t playing against Japan are cleaning their stadiums at the World Cup
Shopping for sadness: Soccer-themed merch going cheap following Japan’s early World Cup loss
Is there a correlation between sex and World Cup success?
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Pokémon’s cozy city builder game inspires Cozy (Corner) cakes in Japan! [Photos]
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japanese soccer fans celebrate the World Cup with Samurai Blue curry
Despite the draw with Greece, Japan’s World Cup team still has a glimmer of hope
Our expert analysis on Japan’s World Cup progress
A hilarious compilation of 12 problems people encounter while watching the World Cup
McDonald’s Japan’s eight-nation World Cup menu kicks off next week
Japan national football star to voice character in upcoming Pokémon film
Mr. Sato watched the Japan vs. Colombia game in a Colombian bar, thinks he made a new friend
Here’s what Shibuya’s famous scramble intersection looked like after the Japan vs. Sweden match
Kyoto yakiniku restaurants offer up blue meat and drinks for Japan’s World Cup fever