National team · AFCFirst match 1917“Samurai Blue”

Retro Japan Shirts

Classic Samurai Blue shirts, from the 1960s side that won Olympic bronze in Mexico City to the team that reached its first World Cup in 1998. Handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton.
Shop 7 Japan shirtsRead the Japan kit story ↓
Japan 1966 Retro Football Shirt (Your Name) Japan 1966 Retro Football Shirt (Your Name)
Made in the UKHandcrafted the old-fashioned way
100% cottonAuthentic look and feel
Adults & kidsSizes S–5XL, plus kids’ range
Name & numberPersonalise any shirt
The collection

Japan

7 shirts
Japan 1966 Retro Football Shirt_0 1966

Japan 1966

£71.00
Quick add · pick a size
£71.00
Japan 1960s Retro Football Shirt_0 1960s

Japan 1960s

£47.00
Long sleeve
Quick add · pick a size
£47.00
Japan 1960s Kids Retro Football Shirt_0 1960s

Japan 1960s Kids

£35.00
Quick add · pick a size
£35.00
Kids Japan T-Shirt - White_0

Kids Japan T-Shirt - White

£23.00
Quick add · pick a size
£23.00
Kids’ shirtsSizes for ages 3–13 → personalisation image Add a name & numberPeriod-correct lettering →
About the collection

Retro Japan football shirts

Japan kit timeline
  1. 1917First international, against China at the Far Eastern Championship Games
  2. 1930Players choose light blue, the colour of Imperial University
  3. 1968Olympic bronze medal in Mexico City
  4. 1992First Asian Cup title
  5. 1998First World Cup finals, in France
  6. 2002Co-hosts the World Cup with South Korea

Japan’s blue shirts have a longer story than many fans realise. Our retro Japan shirts recreate classic Japan kits from the 1960s, a formative decade for the national team. Each is handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton, with no modern sponsor or manufacturer logos.

How Japan came to wear blue

Japan played their first international in Tokyo in May 1917, losing 5–0 to China at the Far Eastern Championship Games. In the early years the best university side of the year represented the country in its own colours. When a national squad was picked for the 1930 Games, the players chose the light blue of Imperial University.

The 1960s

The 1960s were a breakthrough decade. At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Japan won the bronze medal, with Kunishige Kamamoto leading the goals. He remains the national team’s all-time top scorer. Our Japan 1960s Retro Football Shirt and Japan 1966 Retro Football Shirt come from this era.

Samurai Blue

Japan won their first Asian Cup in 1992 and reached their first World Cup finals in France in 1998. Four years later they co-hosted the tournament with South Korea. Today the team is known as Samurai Blue.

More for Japan fans

For a lighter option, try the Japan T-Shirt White. Explore more retro international shirts, or find smaller sizes in our kids’ range.

Japan shirt FAQs

Why do Japan play in blue?+

When a national squad was picked for the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games, the players chose the light blue of Imperial University. Blue has been the team’s colour for most of its history since.

Why are Japan called Samurai Blue?+

Samurai Blue is the modern nickname of the national team, taken from its blue shirts.

Can I add a name and number to my Japan shirt?+

Yes. Choose a name and number for £12, or just a name or just a number for £7.50. We match the lettering style to the era of your shirt.

What sizes do the Japan shirts come in?+

Adult shirts come in sizes S to 5XL, and we make a kids’ range too. Check the size guide on each shirt for chest measurements.

Can I return my shirt?+

Unpersonalised shirts can be returned within 14 days. Personalised shirts are made to order, so they can’t be returned unless faulty.