The Japan 2022 World Cup home kit might just be the coolest shirt at the entire tournament. Don't believe us? Just ask the fans.
The Samurai Blue's new top sold out in mere hours from Adidas's online store, with the general public going crazy over this one – and it's no surprise, really. The previous 'Great Wave' top that the Japanese last donned at their home Olympics was equally loud and equally popular, with this, the first Japan shirt with the new textless Adidas logo, also going down a treat.
Along with the rest of the Adidas World Cup kits all released at the same time, Adidas have released the away shirt for the Japanese, too. These are just two of our favourites of all the World Cup shirts getting released between now and November.
FFT's verdict
Is the Japan 2022 World Cup home kit inspired by origami?
It certainly looks it. Adidas have gone with a sort of triangular pattern that doubles up across the top and it certainly recalls those little paper cranes, doesn't it?
For something that looks quite brash at first glance, this one is actually rather understated, though. The top's base pattern is subtler than meets the eye and when the players don this in the Middle Eastern sun, you won't even notice the design from your TV.
There are plenty of other little details for the eagle-eyed, too. The Japanese flag on the back of the neck is a lovely touch, while the flag's colours return under the sleeve. The back, naturally, is left black blue.
(Image credit: Adidas)
When compared to the Japan shirts of the past, this one is a healthy mix of keeping it quieter while mixing it up with a vibrant pattern. Japan's last home shirt was a five-tone blue effort with waves all over and red Adidas stripes… but that's not for everyone.
The 2018 World Cup shirt, meanwhile, was a little more understated. It was a deep navy with pinstripes and red touches, which this shirt manages to take a little inspiration from while going bold with that front design.
(Image credit: Adidas)
It's an absolute triumph. Japan aren't favoured to go far in this tournament but as with previous tops, they've captured imagination with their clothes. We're big fans.
You can buy this one from Pro Direct – since it's sold out from Adidas's site – while the rest of Adidas's World Cup shirts are on the official site, still.
Buy the shirt
(Image credit: Adidas)
Adidas Japan 2022 World Cup home shirt
Origami-esque and as arty as you'd expect from the Blue Samurai
Our expert review:
Specifications
Sizes: XS-2XL
Reasons to buy
+
Stunning pattern
+
Cohesive design
+
Not too loud
Reasons to avoid
-
It's still not 'Great Wave' shirt…
Shirt info
What is the sizing like with the Japan 2022 World Cup home kit?
The sizing with all Adidas football kits is very natural – not too tight in any places, apart from perhaps around the cuffs on short sleeve shirts, if you have big arms.
What is the difference between the authentic and regular versions of the Japan 2022 World Cup home kit?
The authentic version of the shirt is the official jersey that the players will wear for matches. The only differences are minimal, usually in the material being slightly different and the badges and logos being woven into the shirt rather than printed on.
"Made with Parley Ocean Plastic, new ultra-breathable 3D engineered fabric 'HEAT.RDY' technology, triangle-shaped 'Authentic' badge, 3 stripes tape execution on the shoulders, the Authentic jerseys introduce new technologies to a future iconic football jersey silhouette," says Adidas. Now you know.
If you want to pay extra for that added quality, you can buy the authentic shirt here. In terms of design or feel though, the regular version of the top is perfectly good and just the same to the naked eye.
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Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.
