Footy Kits Battle

21 May 2026 Jake, 161 min read

Kit of the Day #21: Japan — Samurai Blue Quietly Brilliant

Japan at their eighth World Cup and possibly their best squad ever. The deep blue Adidas kit with the speed-line detailing is a Japan classic done properly. Day 21 of Kit of the Day.

Kits in this article

The Asian team most opponents are quietly worried about

Japan beat both Germany and Spain in their Qatar 2022 group. That was not a fluke — the squad has only got better since. They land in Group F with Netherlands, Tunisia and a playoff winner.

The design

Deep blue Adidas home shirt with crisp white and red detailing inspired by speed lines. The pattern subtly references manga panel work without being on-the-nose. One of the design highlights of the 2026 cycle and Adidas’ best non-European release of the year.

Who to watch

Takefusa Kubo creating chances at La Liga level, Kaoru Mitoma still tormenting Premier League full-backs, and Wataru Endo anchoring midfield. Daichi Kamada and Ritsu Doan complete an attacking midfield with proper top-five-league quality across the board.

Why you should care

Japan are one of the form teams in world football right now. The kit looks incredible on TV and the Mitoma name shirt has become a cult favourite among Premier League fans. Buy now, wear forever.

Buy and read more

Pick up the shirt on the Japan buy page. Tomorrow: Morocco. Full countdown.

Written by

Jake

Football kit obsessive · 16 · writes for Footy Kits Battle

Jake has been collecting football shirts since he was nine and reviewing them on Footy Kits Battle since the 2026 World Cup cycle started. His takes lean opinionated, his loyalties shift weekly, and his mum has banned any new kit purchases until at least August.

Footy Kits Battle is an independent fan-run World Cup 2026 kit voting + merch discovery site. We're not affiliated with FIFA, any national FA, or any kit manufacturer. See our editorial standards for sourcing + methodology.

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