Kashima Antlers 2012 Away

Lineup against Shimizu S-Pulse

Oddly enough, this away jersey has been worn less than the Antlers third kit. Nonetheless, this symmetrical blue and black design made its first debut in a 3-0 lost to Shimizu S-Pulse. (3rd May 2012). Its second appearance was also its first victory, a 1-0 win over Albirex Niigata.

Club captain Mitsuo Ogasawara

Mitsuo Ogasawara is the club's captain and loyal Antlers servant, having played for the club since 1998. (He played a single season of Italian Serie A football with Messina during the 2006/2007 season). With more than 450 club appearances in all competitions, he was awarded J-League's Most Valuable Player in 2009. The 33 year old has also won more than 50 caps for the Japan national team. Holding the Antlers midfield line, he's widely respected among die hard Antlers fans.

Getting a foot over S-Pulse's Shinji Ono

The jersey itself looks like a unique take on a Nike template. Both colours play amazingly well, with the yellow name and numbering popping out through the kit's vertical design. Most peculiar about this jersey is the fact it still has a inspirational quote behind the club's logo, even though most other Nike jerseys have discontinued this practice. It's the same quote from last year, but it's still a nice touch.

Main sponsor Lixil is a housing equipment manufacturer

Yellow Hat is a chain of auto accessory stores and service centres 

The proud Kashima Antlers emblem

Club motto is Portuguese for Work, Loyalty, Respect

The club was first known as Sumitomo Metals, before the formation of the J-League. The company, a steel manufacturer, maintains its sponsorship on the left sleeve of the kit

J-League logo prominently on the right sleeve

Kashima is spread across the back of the neck area

Japan's Nike replica kits include the T-bar on each shoulder 

Antlers emblem on each number