Tokyo Kyojin (Giants) 1961 Authentic Wool Road Baseball Jersey

$298

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AN AUTHENTIC REPLICA OF THE 1961 TOKYO GIANTS BASEBALL JERSEY

History: The ‘61 Giants featured Sadaharu Oh (#1), one of the greatest hitters in the history of the sport in any country. Oh compiled a record 868 home runs over his 22-year career in Nippon Professional Baseball, all with the Giants. The ‘61 season marked the first of eleven Japan Series titles that he would win with Tokyo.

This is a faithful reproduction of the on-field uniforms worn by the Kyojin in 1961. It’s made with authentic gray baseball flannel and finished with felt and chenille patches.

We’ve updated our wool jerseys to fit true to size. For a roomier or oversized fit, we recommend sizing up from your normal size.

Authentic gray baseball flannel
Orange/black/orange trim on neck and sleeves
Black on orange felt Tiffany style "Tokyo" on front
Black on orange felt Tiffany style "Giants" on left sleeve
Black on orange felt #1
Japanese urea buttons
50% Wool, 50% Polyester
Dry clean only
Made in USA

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Tokyo Kyojin, Pride of a Nation Reborn

“More than a uniform. A symbol of national rebirth.”

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1884-1957

1930s–1940s

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From the Ashes of War

In 1961, the Tokyo Kyojin—also known as the Yomiuri Giants—were more than Japan’s most iconic baseball team. They were a living representation of postwar resilience. Just 16 years after the end of World War II, the Giants traveled across oceans to compete in goodwill exhibitions with American teams and show the world that Japan’s national pastime was back—and thriving. This road jersey, with its crisp wool finish and stoic typography, reflects that mission: respectful, poised, and proud.

The Global Game

Baseball was introduced to Japan in the 1870s, but by the 1960s it had fully integrated into the cultural fabric. The Giants’ 1961 road season saw them continue to dominate the Nippon Professional Baseball league and helped establish rivalries and loyalties still burning today. The uniform itself—grey wool with a classic block-letter ‘Tokyo’—wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be. It was tradition on cloth.

A Road Jersey with a Purpose

In post-war tours through the U.S. and across Asia, the Kyojin players wore these road grays with stoic pride. They weren’t just ambassadors of a sport—they were emissaries of a new era of peace, commerce, and cultural exchange. The 1961 jersey reflects that spirit. It was worn by players like Shigeo Nagashima and Sadaharu Oh, who would become legends not just in Japan, but globally recognized symbols of excellence in sport.

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“They brought baseball back with them—and left stereotypes behind.”

A color photograph of Japanese baseball player Shigeo Nagashima, wearing a white uniform with the number 3 and a black cap with a stylized logo. He is holding a bat over his shoulder and looking back at the camera with a focused expression inside a stadium.

“The Giants didn’t just rebuild a team. They helped rebuild a nation.”

Japan’s Baseball Reawakening

After World War II, the Japanese professional leagues paused and reorganized. American GIs stationed in Japan played a large role in reintroducing baseball, and Japanese youth took to the sport with fervor. The Giants, originally founded in 1934, became a unifying force for a generation looking for normalcy, pride, and purpose. By 1961, the team had grown into an institution, playing in the Tokyo Dome and racking up titles under a renewed sense of national unity.

Shigeo Nagashima and Sadaharu Oh: Icons in the Making

Nagashima, known for his clutch hitting and style, and Oh, the future home run king, both defined this period of dominance for the Giants. Their early years in this 1961 kit marked the beginning of what many would call the 'Golden Age' of Japanese baseball. They gave the crowd more than hits and wins—they offered identity. Baseball became the shared heartbeat of a generation rebuilding its soul.

Why This Jersey Matters

This 1961 Tokyo Kyojin road jersey isn’t just a replica. It’s a historical touchstone. It honors not only the team’s dominance but also the deeper meaning baseball held during Japan’s post-war resurgence. From the tailored wool fabric to the simple ‘Tokyo’ lettering, every stitch holds a story.