Society

Rugby: Japan's World Cup jersey with samurai helmet motif unveiled

Jul 05 (Kyodo) - The Japan Rugby Football Union on Thursday unveiled the national team's jersey for this year's Rugby World Cup, the shirt featuring a samurai helmet motif representing the tradition of Japan's warrior spirit.

Consisting of V-shaped stripes in red and white, the colors of Japan's national flag, on the front and a series of upside-down Vs on the back, the design evokes the image of a V-shaped crest attached to the front of a warrior's "kabuto" helmet.

The national team jersey also carries a three-dimensional emblem of three cherry blossoms on the chest and golden lines that depict the sunrise over Mount Fuji.

Three types of high-function shirts were made to ensure optimal performance for players in different positions, with front-rowers wearing one version, the rest of the forwards another and the backs wearing yet a third type.

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