Japan 1998 Home

The ASICS Japan national football team 1998 home shirt is a historic and emotional design, marking Japan’s first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup and the true emergence of “Samurai Blue” on the global stage.

Worn during the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, the shirt featured a deep royal blue base with subtle flame-like graphic detailing across the body, combined with red accents inspired by the Japanese flag and ASICS’ clean mid-90s styling.

Managed by Takeshi Okada, the squad included key players such as Hidetoshi Nakata, Masashi Nakayama, Naohiro Takahara, and Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.

Japan faced a tough group stage against experienced international sides, ultimately exiting without a win, but the tournament is remembered as the starting point of Japan’s long-term rise in world football and the beginning of its modern football identity.

Today, the 1998 home shirt is regarded as a cult classic. Its bold yet simple ASICS design, emotional significance as Japan’s World Cup debut kit, and connection to the early generation of international Japanese stars have made it highly sought after among collectors.

More than just a shirt, it represents beginnings, ambition, and the moment Japan arrived on football’s biggest stage.