TBWA HAKUHODO creates anime football battle for adidas Japan anthem featuring Ado
TBWA HAKUHODO has planned and produced an all-animation music video for “KIRA,” the official uniform song for the adidas Japan National Football Team 2026 home kit. The film tells an original story set in a fictional World Cup final, where Japan’s national team faces off against monstrous versions of the world’s football giants, serving as a visual metaphor for the intense challenges and the “monsters” that must be overcome to achieve victory.
The work blends globally renowned artist Ado’s powerful singing voice with dynamic animation.
The music video is built on the design concept “HORIZON,” which symbolizes the unwavering determination of the Japan National Team and its fans to reach the new “horizon” of a FIFA World CupTM victory.
The story depicts a fictional World Cup final where Japan’s players face off against a formidable opponent. In a dramatic twist, the rival team undergoes a monstrous metamorphosis during the match, evolving into creatures of overwhelming power.
As the heroine sings from the stands, her voice ignites an awakening within Japan’s national team. With explosive energy and determination, the players battle back against their monstrous rivals. The film closes on a tense face-off between the star players of both teams with the score locked at 2–2, intentionally leaving the final outcome untold. The open ending fuels the audience’s imagination while echoing the anticipation and drama of the real World Cup.
The video also features cameo appearances from notable supporters, including former Japan National player Shunsuke Nakamura and judoka Uta Abe.
Ado said: “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. During the recording process, I consciously leaned into it, aiming for a vocal performance that was fearless, powerful, and carried a raw, rugged coolness.”
“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. I hope that not only my fans, but everyone excited for the World Cup, will take the time to see it. It’s truly an incredible music video,” Ado added about the music video.
Since its release on April 27, the music video has rapidly gained global attention. Within just two weeks, it has surpassed 2 million views on YouTube.
The video drew over 5,000 comments from both Japanese and international fans, with many calling for it to become the official song of the FIFA World Cup.
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
