Urawa Reds (Red Diamonds) play out of the new Saitama 2002 Stadium, in Saitama city, Japan. Urawa take their name from the city of Urawa where they where formed before Urawa was absorbed into Saitama in 2001. The club took the name “Red Diamonds” from the fact that diamonds are one of the hardest known substances to man, and took the colour red from the animated series, “Red blooded 11” that was set in the city of Urawa! Or, more cynically, the name was inspired by the 3 red diamonds that make up the logo of their corporate owner, Mitsubishi motors.

The club itself last season, attracted an average crowd of 47,000. Making it the best supported club in Japan, and the whole of Asia.

Urawa as a club has enjoyed periods of success, such as back to back wins in the Emperors Cup, J-League triumph, as well as being crowned Japans first champions of Asia in 2007. However, Urawa has also endured, suffering relegation to what amounted to J-2 in 1999. This was rectified with Urawa gaining promotion back at the first time of asking.

Urawa as a club enjoys strong international links, with friendship agreements with many clubs around the globe. Signing a partnership agreement with Bayern Munich, and cultivating ties with clubs such as Manchester United. Famously visiting Old Trafford, only for their game to be cancelled due to a massive electrical storm!

Urawa shares a colour scheme with Manchester United. Red shirts, white shorts, black socks. Indeed, Urawa has tried to become the Manchester United of Japan, and currently have the same kit supplier as the Old Trafford outfit. Indeed, back in 2005, they utilised the same Nike kit template as United, and in Vodafone, had the same sponsor. The similarity lessened with the next template, red with black trim, but was not entirely diminished.

Currently Urawa have opted for a much cleaner kit, with Nike supplying an all-red shirt. The clubs name is written into the inside of the collar, whilst “Urawa” is stamped into the collar on the outside. Another nice touch covers the mesh panels that run down the side of the kit under the arms. These where specifically cut into diamond shapes, inspired by the clubs name.

The shirt features 3 of the clubs sponsors. The main sponsor, Meiji’s health and fitness brand Savas takes the front. On the sleeve is the patch for Toshin partners. The space over the number on the back of the shirt is taken by the clubs corporate backer, Mitsubishi.

The club crest is on the left side of the chest, and features 3 stars. Finally, on the back, at the bottom, is a nod to the clubs many fans. Written into the shirt is one of the fans signature chants for the team. A phrase the club believes unifies the club, team, and fan base. “We are Reds!”

Paul Woodcock