Liverpool will play away against Yokohama Mariners in the pre-season warm-up match this Wednesday, when Liverpool players will wear special edition jerseys, designed by Liverpool's official publishing partner Kodansha, with the name and number on the back using the art of calligraphy.
The name and number on each jersey were created in collaboration with the famous Japanese calligrapher Akitsuki. "The names and numbers on the jerseys are in the style of "Chu". "Chu" means writing, and "Dao" represents the path." Akiko Kamiya, deputy president of Kotansawa, explained, "There are many words with "Dao" or paths in Japanese, such as judo. Calligraphy is a way to write with brushes, inks and Japanese paper."
"We dip the brush in ink, and then draw the words in continuous movements, integrating our thoughts and emotions into it. Once you put the brush on the paper, you can't look back. . The calligraphy is not just to make the characters look beautiful. It does not necessarily have to be perfect, but to write with intention. Each stroke carries the author's feelings, rhythm and thoughts at that moment. "
"The calligraphy does not pursue perfection or symmetry, but seeks beauty from movement, balance, space and sincerity." Qiu Yueliu widely uses ancient Chinese characters and pseudonyms in her works, and her works have been used in magazines, books, television, movies, advertisements and costumes.
The unique design on Liverpool jerseys this week will be shown to the world during Wednesday's warm-up match. “This piece does not represent just East and West or writing and painting,” Kamiya Akiko said. “It is a quiet expression of respect, imagination and connection from Japan for Liverpool. Every letter and number has a unique form, and they resonate with each other. Overall, they speak in harmony with a quiet force, like a team.”
“We are very satisfied with this design and look forward to seeing the players wear these jerseys. It is a historic moment for us. It really shows our partnership. Of course, here There is a sponsorship factor, but Liverpool encourages us to participate, and the club has given us a lot of rewards, so it is a very good mutual benefit and win-win. "
" Liverpool has a unique history, but they are always trying new things. Kodansha has a history of more than 100 years, but we want to do something challenging every time, and I think that's one of the reasons for the success of this project."
Previously, Liverpool and Kodansha collaborated to launch a series of new products combining football culture and Japanese comic art earlier this year. Launched in April, the series includes costumes and accessories and presents great moments in the history of the Red Army in comic style, capturing the delicate emotions of the game. The items will debut in Japan this summer, and fans can buy them online or at a retail pop-up store in the Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.