Detailed Japan Kit History From 1936 Until 2020 - Including Many Amazing Kits
Nov 8, 2019, by Chris
Today we want to take a look at the football kit history of the Japan national football team, who this week revealed their new Adidas home jersey for 2020. And we can already say that Japan's jersey history is very, very interesting.
First, it is important to know that Japan was not a major football force until the end of 1980s with its team just a small and amateur team. Since the 1990s, Japanese football became fully professionalized, and Japan has quickly emerged as one of the most successful teams in Asia.
Japan Soccer Jersey History
Below is a short but quite good summary of what you should know about Japan's kit history from Wikipedia:
Japan uses blue and white rather than red and white due to a superstition. Japan used blue shirts in a 3–2 victory over Sweden in the first game of its maiden major international competition, the 1936 Summer Olympics. When Japan was coached by Kenzo Yokoyama (1988–1992) the kits were red and white, matching the colours of Japan's national flag. After failures at 1990 FIFA World Cup and 1992 Summer Olympics qualifications, the red shirt was scrapped.
The national team kit design has gone through several alterations in the past. In the early 1980s, the kit was white with blue trim. The kits worn for the 1992 Asian Cup consisted of white stripes (stylized to form a wing) with red diamonds. During Japan's first World Cup appearance in 1996 Asian Cup and in 1998, the national team kits were blue jerseys with red and white flame designs on the sleeves, and were designed by JFA (with the sponsor alternating each year between Asics, Puma, and Adidas).
Japanese brand Mizuno was the first supplier who had their logo on Japan's kits in 1979, while Puma and Adidas followed in the 1980s.
Adidas became the country's kit maker in April 1998, ending the phase in which Japan had no official kit maker but produced their kits in-house - Only the logo of a brand was added to Japan's kits back then (therefore, they had the same design with Adidas and Asics, in example [1997 / 1998]).
In early November 2019, Adidas presented the latest new Japanese national football team kit. Just as many previous shirts of the nation, it boasts a unique look.
Which Japan kit is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below and check out Japan' soccer jersey history on Football Kit Archive.
Ajax Player' Goalkeeper Kit Was Manually Created by the Club
A curious detail has emerged regarding AFC Ajax's kit specifications for the 26-27 season. While Ajax outfield players take the pitch wearing standard replica-spec shirts with embroidered crests and fan-grade fabric, goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been spotted wearing a genuine player-issue authentic Adidas shirt.
The difference comes down to how Adidas structures its team tiers and produces goalkeeper templates. Since Ajax is not currently classified as an Adidas Elite partner, the three stripes brand does not manufacture dedicated authentic player-spec versions for their outfield kits. However, Adidas makes authentic base goalkeeper shirts available to its clubs, complete with lightweight Climacool+ performance fabric, printed Adidas branding, and the official authentic hem jocktag.
To prepare the shirt for matchday, Ajax manually customized the blank authentic goalkeeper template in-house by heat-applying the club's three-starred crest and sponsor graphics. This process allows ter Stegen to wear a true high-performance shirt on the pitch, even as the rest of the squad continues to play in standard replica shirts.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Sam Kerr Signature Boots Leaked - 2 Real Images
Footy Headlines can leak 2 new real images of the Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Sam Kerr signature boots. Big thanks to shoptcrampons.
The boots showcase a stunning aesthetic with a predominantly mint green base, an iridescent gradient of light blue, purple, and pink, a deep purple Nike Swoosh with a pink outline, a translucent soleplate, and Sam Kerr's elegant signature near the lace eyelets.
Next-Gen Adidas Predator 27 Launch Edition Leaked - 6 New Images
Footy Headlines can now leak 6 new pictures of the next-gen Adidas Predator 2027 launch edition. Although it is a fake, the design is identical to the real one.
The next-gen Adidas Predator 27 launch edition heavily recalls the iconic Predator Precision from the year 2000, featuring a blue/red/white colorway and similar design elements like the wavy Three Stripes and a red fold-over tongue.
Manchester United Wear Premier League Sleeve Patches on Both Arms for The First Time In 9 Years
The recent Gameweek 2 against Ipswich Town marked the first time since the 17-18 season - when the Premier League first permitted left-sleeve sponsors - Man United wore Premier League sleeve patches on both arms.
With their deal with DXC Technology expiring in June 2026 and no replacement yet, the Red Devils left their left sleeve blank, requiring them to display the patches on both sides as per Premier League regulations.
The 17-18 season was also the last time United played without a sleeve sponsor. From 18-19 through 25-26, the Old Trafford side always had a dedicated sleeve partner, featuring Kohler (2018–2022) and DXC Technology (2022–2026).
Crystal Palace Announce Molson Coors Beer Partnership
Crystal Palace have officially announced a new multi-year partnership with Molson Coors Beverage Company, naming the brewing giant as the club's Official Beer Partner.
As part of the agreement, Molson Coors beverages will be served across all concourses and hospitality lounges at Selhurst Park on matchdays. The portfolio introduced to supporters includes popular brands such as Carling, Madrí Excepcional, Coors, Carling Premier, and Aspall Cyder.
The deal strengthens Molson Coors' existing presence across English football while enhancing the food and beverage offerings for Palace supporters on matchdays starting from the 26-27 season.
Tamworth 26-27 Away Kit Released
English National League side Tamworth FC have officially unveiled their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Produced by Italian brand Macron, the fresh strip brings a sophisticated, retro-inspired aesthetic to the Lambs' away travels.
The Macron Tamworth 26-27 away shirt is predominantly off-white with subtle, alternating light grey vertical stripes running down the front. Deep maroon accents provide contrast on the classic polo collar, V-neck insert, and ribbed sleeve cuffs. The Tamworth crest, Macron Hero logos, and all sponsor applications are presented in monochrome maroon to maintain a refined two-tone look.
Maroon shorts and matching socks complete the brand-new Macron Tamworth 2026-27 away uniform.
