A3. The basic color of the Japanese team's strip is blue. For this reason, some fans call them "the Blues." The latest shirt features two thin red lines representing the shape of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan.

The kit the Japanese players will wear in the World Cup uses the very latest technology. The tournament will take place from May 31 to June 30, right in the middle of Japan's rainy season. A lot of rain falls during this season, and even when it is not raining, it is hot and humid. These are very tough conditions for soccer players, who run a lot during a game. So the Japanese kit was designed to make the players feel as comfortable as possible as they play.

The biggest feature of the kit is that it is made from a double-layered material. The inside layer is said to absorb moisture four times better than cotton. As for the outer layer of the kit, the area of mesh has been increased to 80% of the total area, making the material dry faster. It does not have a collar, and overall it is 35% lighter than previous designs. All in all, it is light, fresh, and comfortable.

The players are very happy with their new kit. One member of the Japanese squad said, "If we can play without feeling the heaviness of rain and sweat, our movement will improve," while another commented, "I think it will dry quickly even in the rain." The sporting-goods producer that made the kit tried very hard to make sure the players could sustain their strength and movement even in the hot and humid rainy season. Thanks to these efforts, it looks like the Japanese team will be able to move freely around the pitch during their World Cup games, whatever the weather.

(From left) The new Japanese away, home, and goalkeeper's strips. (Kyodo News)