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Sales of replica shirts and scarves for the Japanese soccer team, known as the "Blue Samurai" were well down on the last World Cup in 2006 leading into the 2010 event in South Africa.



Japan's erratic form under eccentric coach Takeshi Okada and the economic downturn contributed to a distinct lack of interest among the Japanese public. Fewer people on organized tours have traveled to support the team in South Africa amid concerns over security and the huge distances involved.

However, as Japan advanced to the last 16 of the tournament, a feat they failed to achieve in Germany four year's ago, with a resounding thumping of Denmark, optimism and retail sales are picking up across the now slightly "soccer-mad" country.



Fans have packed bars and the Samurai Blue fan park in Yoyogi in Tokyo to cheer on their heroes, as cash registers across the nation begin to experience a definite "feel-good" factor.



Japan progressed from a tough Group E beating Cameroon and Denmark and losing only narrowly to the Netherlands and now take on Paraguay in the Round of 16.

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Sitting in the shadow of National Stadium in Yoyogi Park is Samurai Blue Park, an area created by the Japan Football Association in support of the national team's journey to the World Cup in South Africa.


Serving as a gathering point for those unable to make the trek to South Africa, the park will play host to a number of events and activities.

Inside the main area, the JFA has set up small exhibits featuring memorabilia such as balls and kits, from various national team campaigns.

To the rear of the main hall is a small pitch where there will be various activities going on. Towering over the outside area is a giant statue of a samurai, draped blue garments and standing with one foot on an oversized soccer ball.


There are also plans to hold viewings of some of the action in South Africa.

Open from 17:00-21:00 on weekdays and 12:00-21:00 on weekends, most games are shown on replay, although Japan's match with Holland on June 19 at 20:30 will be shown live.

Japan is in the midst of its third appearance at the World Cup and has already scored a mild upset with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in its opening game. That victory was the Blue Samurai's first World Cup win on foreign soil.


Japan goes up against a favored Holland side on June 19 before moving on to face Denmark on June 24. In addition to the public viewing at Samural Blue Park for the match against Holland, tickets are also on sale at Tokyo Dome for a live viewing of the same game. The Park will be open for the duration of Japan's stay at the World Cup.

© Jason Coskrey & JapanVisitor.com


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