
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】
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s Mister Donut Japan tries its hand at Taiwanese-style street food donuts
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Police in Japan summoned to deal with bank intruder…who is also a deer[Video]
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
Tokyo store makes you to pass a quiz in order to buy Pokémon cards as part of anti-scalper policy
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
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
Pikachu and Mew have got your back with new Pokémon backpacks that have to be caught, not bought
Japan’s “excessively Pikachu” marriage registration form is appropriate amount for Pokémon lovers