Adidas Japan has released an all-animation music video for “KIRA,” the official uniform song for the adidas Japan National Football Team 2026 home kit. TBWA HAKUHODO planned and produced the film, which features vocalist Ado and tells an original story set during a fictional World Cup final.
The music video is built on the design concept “HORIZON,” symbolizing the determination of the Japan National Team and its fans to reach a FIFA World Cup victory this year
The Story
The film depicts Japan’s players facing a formidable opponent in a fictional World Cup final. During the match, the rival team transforms into creatures of overwhelming power. As the heroine sings from the stands, her voice triggers an awakening within Japan’s national team, who battle back against their transformed rivals.
The film closes with the score locked at 2–2, leaving the final outcome untold. The open ending is intentional, designed to fuel the audience’s imagination while echoing the anticipation surrounding the real World Cup.
The video also features animated cameo appearances from former Japan National player Shunsuke Nakamura and judoka Uta Abe, alongside Homare Sawa, Hifumi Abe, and Rachid Muratake. Crowd scenes incorporate “Fan Characters” selected through a public casting call.
“I connected with the lyrics on a personal level. The song energizes me and fires me up. Using the male pronoun ‘ore’ was also unfamiliar territory for me, making the track a new kind of challenge,” said Ado.
“During the recording process, I consciously leaned into it, aiming for a vocal performance that was fearless, powerful, and carried a raw, rugged coolness.”
On the music video, she added: “This is an epic animated work packed with passion, portraying Japan’s national team facing off against the world’s greatest powers with the supporters rallying behind them. I was blown away by the quality and intensity of the animation.”
The track was written and composed by Tatsuya Kitani. Animation was directed by YORUGATA and produced by KIKO.
Credits
Planning & Production: TBWA HAKUHODO
Production: Y’s
Original Story & Scenario: Yuta Kaneko, Suguru Kato, Nao Watanabe
Director: Nao Watanabe
Animation Director: YORUGATA
Character Design: YORUGATA, Asuka Dokai, Osashimimaru
Character Concept: Yuta Kaneko, Leona Mori
Paint Director: zohyo
CG Director: Sho Fujita
Animation Producer: SHIKO
Animation Project Manager: Takeru Soga, zohyo, Kazuki Yamamoto
Animation Production: KIKO
Creative Director: Yuta Kaneko
Senior Art Director: Yuhei Ito
Art Director: Leona Mori
PR Planner: Suguru Kato
Copywriter: Yasutaka Yamaguchi, Genki Ohama
Designer: Shion Mukasa, Rikito Fujitani, Mio Hyodo, Yu Tamaki
Producer: Taro Iwato, Shunsuke Imoto
Project Manager: Shinichiro Saisho, Naoki Emoto
Senior Account Director: Itaru Fujikawa
Account Director: Yuki Tanaka
Account Manager: Ayaka Hamatani
Account Executive: Maori Shinagawa, Seri Choi, Rei Miller
