Overseasidol.com — Japanese idol groups JO1 and INI have come together to form a special 12-member unit called “JI BLUE”, created to serve as the official ambassadors for Japan’s national soccer team, SAMURAI BLUE, under the campaign “Towards the Best Scenery 2026”.
The announcement was made on November 10 at the STARRISE TOWER in Tokyo during a joint press conference organized by the Japan Football Association (JFA) and Adidas.
The group includes Sho Yonashiro, Ruki Shiroiwa, Junki Kono, Keigo Sato, Takumi Kawanishi, and Sukai Kinjo from JO1, and Hiroto Nishi, Shogo Tajima, Hiromu Takatsuka, Itsunori Goto, Yudai Sano, and Rihito Ikezaki from INI.
The name JI BLUE combines the “J” from JO1, “I” from INI, and “BLUE,” the symbolic color of Japan’s national team.
Shiroiwa explained, “We discussed the name together and wanted something that represented the unity of JO1, INI, and the spirit of SAMURAI BLUE,”.
Many members shared their deep personal connections to soccer. Kono, who used to play soccer himself, said that becoming an ambassador for SAMURAI BLUE was “a dream come true”.
Nishi also revealed that he has loved soccer since childhood and felt proud to contribute to the sport as an artist.
The 12 members wore official SAMURAI BLUE jerseys, gifted directly by Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Sato recalled the moment with humor, “My eyes nearly popped out when I heard we were chosen. When I got the jersey from Moriyasu-san, I honestly thought, ‘Am I part of the national team now?’ It made me feel so motivated,”.
Fans and the public have warmly welcomed this unprecedented collaboration.
With JI BLUE, JO1 and INI are set to bring both musical energy and national pride as they cheer on SAMURAI BLUE in their journey toward the 2026 World Cup.
