World Cup archive
Japan are a regular part of the modern World Cup landscape and their kits are some of the most copied designs of the 21st century. Samurai Blue has produced tournament shocks (Germany 2022, Spain 2022), bold design choices, and a kit culture more fashion-literate than almost any other international side.
At a glance
Best finish: Round of 16 (×4)
Tap to open the Japan team page · Tap the gold pill to shop
2002
Adidas
Japan/South Korea
Vibrant blue home with fire-like flame pattern on the sleeves. Co-hosts kit with serious event energy.
Japan reached the round of 16 on home soil — their first ever World Cup knockout-round appearance.
2018
Adidas
Russia
Deep blue home with a woven sashiko-inspired pattern — one of the most design-led Japan kits ever.
Japan shockingly beat Colombia in the group stage and led Belgium 2-0 in the round of 16 before losing 3-2 in added time.
2022
Adidas
Qatar
Rich blue home with an origami crane pattern across the chest — universally loved design.
Japan beat Germany and Spain in the group stage — both 2-1 comebacks — before losing to Croatia on penalties in the round of 16.
USA/Mexico/Canada
Current-cycle Japan home shirt for the 48-team World Cup.
The archive continues on the live 2026 Japan team page.
Japan have reached the round of 16 four times (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) and lost all four. They have never reached the quarter-finals.
Adidas have made the Japan national team kit since 1999.
Samurai Blue — Saburu Buru — is the official nickname adopted by the Japan Football Association in 2006 to link the national team to Japanese warrior heritage.
Jump from the archive to the current tournament page, retro shopping, or the biggest head-to-head matchups for Japan.
Archive to new season
Retro and history readers are high-intent shirt buyers. Before paying collector prices, compare the new 2026-27 club releases and check which designs are official.
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