A new apparel line for all supporters, essential viewing before the decisive World Cup qualifier.
FASHION / NEWS
March 17, 2025

A new apparel line for all supporters, essential viewing before the decisive World Cup qualifier.

Japan Football Association | JFA

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers to be held on March 20th and 25th at Saitama Super Arena, a press conference was held to announce an apparel line officially approved by the JFA (Japan Football Association). The collection boasts a level of sophistication befitting Japan's maturing football culture, along with a comprehensive lineup that transcends gender and age.

Text by KAWASE takuro

Football: Spreading Sports Culture and Igniting Passion in Japan

 
In the UK, the birthplace of football, it's commonplace to wear jerseys with player names to matches or pubs, and these are often incorporated into everyday outfits. Musicians of the 90s Britpop era and DJs who spearheaded the dance music scene in the 2000s also wore football jerseys on stage, captivating audiences.
 
For Britons, football is an integral part of life, and the jerseys, also known as game shirts, have become a fashion statement. In Japan, since the launch of the J.League in 1993, football jerseys have rapidly gained popularity not only among fervent fans but also among fashion- and music-conscious youth, reaching a peak during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.

JFA President and former Japan captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto takes the stage

 
For a long time now, the exploits of Japanese players in top European clubs have been reported daily in the news. Compared to the 1990s, when simply qualifying for the World Cup was a challenge, Japanese football has evolved remarkably, and the current national team possesses the potential to aim for the World Cup title.
 
JFA President Miyamoto and the PR team touched upon this evolution, also highlighting the crucial role of broad supporter engagement behind the national team's progress. They explained that the energy from casual fans who only tune in for national matches, as well as dedicated supporters who follow J.League and European league games daily, fuels the national team, with the Samurai Blue jersey serving as their symbol.

Three Collections Prepared Under the Concept of Heritage and Diversity

 
Now, as both players and supporters reach a stage of maturity, the JFA has unveiled its long-awaited apparel collection: the STUDIUM LINE, DAILY LINE, and INNOCENT LINE. The 'Stadium Line' features accessible items like merchandise of Carrara and Carrappe, the national team's mascot characters, and towels. The 'Daily Line,' showcased by Mr. Miyamoto himself, primarily consists of items for adult men in black, offering simple yet functional designs suitable for business settings.
 
The 'Innocent Line' offers a slightly different feel, presenting a highly versatile collection aimed at Gen Z. It includes fashion-forward items that blend seamlessly into everyday wardrobes, such as tops featuring game shirts in vibrant colors and card cases inspired by yellow cards. These pieces allow wearers to subtly express their passion for football and connect with fellow fans.

Wearing Football Items as Part of Everyday Life

 
While most press conferences are attended by sports journalists, this event saw the participation of numerous media outlets from the fashion and lifestyle sectors. This reflects a conscious effort to integrate football into daily life, not just for stadium events, but also through practical apparel suitable for business and leisure.
 
Mr. Miyamoto commented, "We hope that not only our supporters but also those who haven't felt close to football before, and children, will enjoy this new collection as a form of fashion. Ultimately, we aspire to see people wearing football items all over the streets." Each line offers a way to feel a connection with the national team through wearing the apparel.
Contact

JFA STORE
https://official-store.jfa.jp/
The three lines introduced here are available for purchase on the official e-commerce site above. The 'Daily Line' is also sold at sports retailers and specialty stores, while the 'Innocent Line' can be found at select Soccer Shop KAMO locations in Harajuku and Umeda, as well as some Super Sports Xebio stores.

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