Sorry, Hello Kitty. Pikachu, I choose you!
The electrifying creature from Japan’s iconic Pokemon franchise was chosen as Japan’s National Football team’s official mascot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Pikachu and ten of his poke-pals, including Meowth, Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle, would lead the ‘The Blue Samurai’ into battle in Rio De Janeiro, Adidas, the official apparel sponsor of the Japanese football team said.
The Pokemon characters will adorn Samurai Blue uniforms in a partnership between Adidas and video game company Nintendo for the ‘Engine Project,’ which encourages players in uniform to act as a single “engine” and foster unity.
Reports have yet to be confirmed whether Italy will name Mario and Luigi, from Nintendo’s popular Super Mario games, as official joint-mascots in what could be a major pitch for the world’s largest video game company.
The 2014 World Cup Brazil will take place from June 12–July 13.
Image: Sebra / Shutterstock.com
