One of the biggest sporting events of 2014 is the World Cup in Brazil, which will attract an audience of millions of fans from all over the globe. That of course means ample opportunities for advertising, and Adidas — which makes the kit of the Japanese national soccer team — has announced that it is teaming up with Pikachu and friends for a special promotion.
So far all we've seen is a couple of promotional images showing various Pokémon in the famous blue shirt of Japan's side, but there's no telling how far this relationship will go — it would be wise to expect branded clothing and other merchandise, but it remains to be seen if this partnership will result in any kind of video game tie-in.
Are you looking forward to the World Cup this year? Which team will you be rooting for? Let us know with a comment below.
[source deculture.es]
Comments 33
That first picture is so very adorable <3
Poké-Soccer for Wii U and 3DS confirmed! Hahah. Japan already winning the World Cup for best advertisement campaign, haha. Hope we see more of this once the World Cup starts, it's cool
Two words: Captain Tsubasa. (I know, it's not related)
World Cup. Good time for some marketing. It's a start
Froakie don't seem to care much
Nintendo should make their own soccer game. Would sell well in Japan
@JtotheY Mario Strikers?
Yeah, they could make another Mario Strikers, but a more tactical game, without the exaggerating Mario stuff would be nice, since we don't have fifa anymore..
Aaaaaah, this is so awesome! We really need a spin-off anime/game about Pokémon playing football. (Actually we don't, but it'd be great) Now I'm wondering if they'll do something similar with the Olympic Games
Yes! I would totally buy some shoes if there were pokemon on them.
Haha!! I love it! Squirtle in a Japanese World Cup jersey is so damn cute! xD Love watching the world cup too!
Ubisoft once promoted their brand new IP Rayman Raving Rabbids during the 2006 World Cup to celebrate France's victory over Brazil in the quarter finals since Ubisoft of course has their headquarters located in France.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPVnsIjyFTo
@Baum897 No I didn't
but I don't like the charged shots and stuff in the game that doesn't have anything to do with football/soccer
Naturally I support my German Gunners, but I actually drew Germany in this tournament!
Does the Wii U have ANY soccer game? We own both Strikers and Charged, The only other time I rrcall seeing a soccer ball is the heading section in Wii Fit U.
Maybe they can add it into a new Mario Sports Mix.
I do like the Pokemon marketing for team Japan, better than just a straight up sneaker ad. The World Cup is a pretty big stage.
@rjejr There's FIFA 13, for what it's worth.
Anyway, great little campaign. Japan got a very forgiving group stage, too, which means they could advance at least to the Round of 16.
@JtotheY Megaman Soccer 2 confirmed!
@AdanVC Why would you want that? All sports games are made boring Nintendo mascots liven it all up and are always well-designed.
@JtotheY you mean I've been playing soccer wrong my whole life?!
Imagine an Inazuma Eleven type soccer game, with all Pokemon as eligible players! Anyway, this is pretty awesome. Can't wait for June!
They look like a good team, but can they beat the Legendaries or Team Rocket teams?
(I'm still rooting for Team Brock to win this whole thing XD)
ok screw my country now I'm rooting for Japan!!! XD
lol...I'm just in here because of the pic...every time I see something similar it makes me think of Strike Witches. xD (season 2's cover)
I LIVE IN BRAZIL BUT I PREFER JAPAN !!!!!!!!!
@JtotheY Japan is the only part of the world with any taste at all when it comes to Football games. (Only place that pro evolution soccer 2013 on the 3DS outsold the rubbish version of Fifa that has been rereleased three times).
They're not supporting the US because... ... ...yeah, that'd be kinda pointless
Nice pictures, btw!
Well that's just adorable.
Pikachu looks well up for it in the group picture he looks kinda scary!
@JonathanX you and me both!

When this merchandise comes out, I will wear it with pride.
Huh... I might actually watch football this year if the team has Pokemon on their shirts.
I'm gonna make the first picture my wallpaper
Well, I guess Super Training is a Football-based minigame, so this makes sense.
Confirmed! Pikachu is Japan's mascot for the World Cup.
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