Exclusive: Adidas Unveils Retro Collection for Japan National Team Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Japan 2026 World Cup Retro Collection: Core Highlight: The Return of the Classic 1990s JFA Crest
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Adidas is gearing up to launch a special retro collection dedicated to the Japan national team. Exclusive insights from Footy Headlines reveal that this highly anticipated collection will not only feature vintage-inspired apparel but also mark the return of a beloved classic from Japan’s footballing past. Notably, the retro range is set to debut alongside the new Japan World Cup away kits in March or April 2026, creating a perfect blend of nostalgia and anticipation for fans worldwide.
At the heart of the 2026 Japan retro collection is the revival of the classic Japan Football Association (JFA) crest used by the national team from 1991 to 1996. This iconic emblem boasts the legendary three-legged crow (Yatagarasu) clutching a football, set against a striking red stripe. Adding to its vintage charm, the crest features “JFA” in a distinct green font above the crow motif.
For long-time Japan football fans, this crest is more than just a design—it’s a symbol of Japan’s rise in Asian football during the 1990s, evoking cherished memories of the team’s formative years on the continental stage. Its inclusion in the 2026 retro collection is a deliberate nod to this golden era of Japanese football, sure to resonate deeply with nostalgic supporters.
Key Collection Items: T-Shirts, Tracksuits, and the Coveted 1993 Remake Home Kit
The Adidas Japan 2026 retro collection offers a diverse range of apparel to cater to fans’ nostalgia. The lineup includes essential retro pieces such as a T-shirt, a track jacket, and matching pants, all designed to embody the vintage aesthetic of the 1990s. However, the standout item of the collection is undoubtedly the remake of Japan’s 1993 home kit.
Staying true to the original 1993 design, the remake home shirt retains all the classic details that made the original a fan favorite. What’s more, Adidas is offering the shirt in two variants: one without a name and number, and another emblazoned with the legendary Kazu Miura’s No. 11 on the back. This option allows fans to pay homage to one of Japan’s most iconic footballers, further enhancing the collection’s nostalgic appeal.
Vintage Consistency: The Trefoil Logo Connection to 2026 Away Kits
Adidas has made a deliberate design choice to feature its classic Trefoil logo throughout the retro collection. This decision serves two key purposes: first, it creates visual consistency with Japan’s upcoming 2026 World Cup away kit, which will also sport the Trefoil logo. Second, it amplifies the overall vintage aesthetic of the retro range, tying all pieces together under a unified nostalgic theme.
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Release Details & Where to Explore Japan’s Kit History
As confirmed, the Adidas Japan 2026 World Cup retro collection is scheduled for release in March or April 2026, launching simultaneously with the new World Cup away kits. For fans eager to dive deeper into Japan’s football kit heritage, Football Kit Archive offers a comprehensive library of all past and present Japan national team kits, making it the perfect resource to revisit the 1990s era that inspired this retro collection.
Adidas will launch a retro collection for the Japan national football team for the 2026 World Cup, featuring the classic three-legged crow JFA badge used from 1991 to 1996. The core item includes the replica of the 1993 home jersey (including the No. 11 version worn by Kazuyoshi Miura) and others. The entire collection bears the three-leaf clover logo and will be released simultaneously with the new away jersey in March-April 2026, evoking the golden memories of Japanese football in the 1990s.
