Pikachu is Japan’s World Cup mascot

The Pokemon Company has secured am amazing branding coup by placing Pikachu as Japan’s official World Cup 2014 mascot.

The deal was announced in conjunction with Japan’s national kit sponsor Adidas.

While Pikachu is the official sponsor he’ll also be joined by ten other Pokemon including G1 favourites Squirtle, Charmander and Bulbasaur.

Japan won’t have it easy in Brazil having found itself in a tough group with Colombia, Greece and Ivory Coast (ranked at fifth, 13th and 24th respectively – Japan are currently ranked 48th in the world, with England 12th).

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil kicks off on June 12th.