Samurai in Brazil shows off incredible freestyle football skills ahead of World Cup

There’s now less than a week left until the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and media and businesses all over the world are gearing up. Japan is no exception, with celebratory events going on and brands rushing to launch special themed products. In amongst it all, one particular advert from Cup Noodle maker Nissin has caught our eye for its great combination of traditional Japan and modern Brazil.

Although there’s nothing to give it away during the ad itself, this two-minute video has been created by Nissin Cup Noodles to advertise their instant noodles under the slogan ‘Samurai, Fujiyama, Cup Noodle.’

As the title states, it features a samurai in modern-day Brazil, who’s come back from medieval Japan to demonstrate to the world…his freestyle footballing skills?!

Locals look on in amazement as the masked and armored samurai pops up all across Brazil to demonstrate his tricks with the ball, before ending in a freestyle-football-off. So maybe his armor’s not as heavy as the real deal, but it sure looks the part, and the way he kicks the ball and flips himself, all while maintaining perfect control of the ball, is incredible to watch.

Freestyle football (or soccer for our North American friends) is a cross between performance art and sport, where people perform tricks with the ball while incorporating moves from the game and from hip-hop style dance.

Behind the samurai get-up, the video features talented Japanese freestyle footballer Tokuda Kotaro, who has a string of wins under his belt including at freestyle world championships.

Check out this video of Kotaro at the Red Bull Street Style Finals.

I can’t say that the video’s got me craving for cup noodles, but it’s definitely one of the most fun and original adverts I’ve seen out of Japan, land of bizarre mascots and annoying jingles, in a long while.

Source: Japaaan Magazine
Images & Video: YouTube