
In Japan, the national sports teams are officially known as the Nihon Daihyou, literally the Japanese Representatives. And while it’s true that the Japanese soccer team will be getting eve more attention than usual as it competes in the World Cup in Brazil, one could argue that Japan’s pop cultural icons, more so than its athletes, are the most prominent representatives of the country internationally.
Or, you could sidestep the debate by combing the too with a Pokémon soccer jersey.
As part of its Enjin Project, Adidas Japan’s ongoing campaign to raise interest in and support for soccer, the athletic wear maker has taken its ordinary replica of the national team’s jersey and slapped an image of Pikachu, everyone’s favorite electrified rodent, on it.
Unfortunately for those who’ve been loyal fans of Nintendo’s monster-rearing game since its beginning some 20 years ago, the jersey is meant for kids, and comes in sizes for wearers with heights of 130, 140, 150, or 160 centimeters (51, 55, 59, or 63 inches).
Children will need to save up their allowance for several weeks, though; the jerseys cost a hefty 7,400 yen (US $73) each.
▼ We’re a little disappointed that for that price, Adidas couldn’t even be bothered to write “Pika!” across the back. Pokémon Marking Soccer Nihon Daihyou Replica Uniform.
Still, there’s no denying that this is a nice piece of kit, and far cuter than we’d initially imagined when we heard the words “Pokémon marking.”
▼ Remember, kids: the first step to becoming a true Pokémon master is making sure that all your pocket monsters are properly housebroken.
Related: Japan Football Association Official Shop
Sources: Otaku.com, Inside Games
Top image: Inside Games
Insert images: Inside Games, Saka Maka Bunda




Pokémon shoes from Adidas let you Poké yourself up from the feet up【Photos】
Pikachu steals show at MLB opener, baseball stars introduced at Tokyo Dome with Pokémon music【Video】
Pokémon and Japan Sumo Association announce partnership
Zzz…zzz…pika…pika – The Pikachu bed is here!
Pet rabbit celebrates Japan’s World Cup victory by humping Pokémon’s Charmander【Video】
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
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]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pikachu and Super Mario left out of lineup of official spokescharacters for Tokyo Olympics
New Pokémon dress shirt line lets you dress like an adult in the company of all 151 Kanto species
Pikachu will hook you up with some free tunes with this cool-looking Pokémon music smartphone app
Pokémon terrariums let you feel like you’ve got Pikachu, Eevee, and other Pocket Monsters as pets
Pokémon Prism is the latest Pokémon fan game, but how long does it have to live? 【Video】
Pikachu helmets are coming to Japanese pro baseball team’s uniforms【Photos】
Massive-variation new Pikachu plushie line lets you find the perfect Pikachu just for you
Pikachu freestyle raps in battle with fellow Pokémon Mimikyu【Video】
Beautiful Magikarp necklaces show your Pokémon-loving lover you’re in it for the long haul【Pics】
Official Pokémon Red and Blue sprite goods let you relive the past in pixelated style
Pikachu, we eat you! – A visit to Tokyo’s Pokémon restaurant
New Pokémon earrings and hair accessories will have you looking Pikachu-perfect
Happy Pokémon Day! Pokémon GO celebrates with debut of special Party Pikachu