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OSAKA — To cheer on Japan’s national team competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted jointly by Canada, the United States and Mexico, restaurants in this western Japan city have started offering sweets and other items inspired by the team’s nickname, “Samurai Blue.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Japan opened with a 2-2 draw against powerhouse the Netherlands and then beat Tunisia 4-0 on June 21, Japan time. The stores urge customers to “eat, drink and cheer.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cafe Komagawa Tetto in this city’s Higashisumiyoshi Ward, which provides employment support for people with disabilities and other services, is offering vivid blue kaitenyaki, or a Japanese sweet pancake, filled with red bean paste. It released “Aoi Komeyan” (Blue Komeyan) on June 11 for 180 yen (about $1.10) each. Colored with food dye it is a bright blue version of its regular “Komeyan” kaitenyaki made with rice flour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In keeping with the theme of soccer, a pack of 11 costs 1,100 yen (about $6.80). “I hope people will eat them with family and friends while cheering on the team,” said Mika Nishioka, 46, the store manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another restaurant is urging customers to “drink the opposing countries and win” as a good-luck charm. The fermentation cafeteria “Hakko Shokudo Hasshoku” Hilton Plaza East Osaka branch in Osaka’s Kita Ward, is serving “Samurai Drinks” through June 26 for 850 yen (about $5.30) each in colors inspired by the countries Japan will compete against in the group stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three varieties are the Netherlands (orange), Tunisia (red) and Sweden (blue), based on “koji amazake,” a fermented rice drink, and topped with fruit and vanilla ice cream. “The World Cup is also an opportunity for international exchange. I want people to compare the drinks and think about the opposing countries,” said Kentaro Kameoka, 51, president of the operating company.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n