World Cup fever hits Japan, merchandise sales kick off

With just 50 days to go until the first ball is kicked at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, a new store has opened in Roppongi, Tokyo selling goods specially marketed towards that event.

A range of items will go on sale at the FamilyMart store from cheaper items, such as T-shirts and mobile phone accessories, to more expensive articles, like an 18-carat gold figurine in the shape of the World Cup trophy.

The mini World Cup statuette is likely to retail for around 2.5 million Yen.

The approaching tournament is expected to generate more interest in Japan following the country's successful hosting of the competition, in partnership with South Korea, four years ago.

As the football games will be played at less accessible times for the majority of the Japanese audience however, many of the main electrical retailers are expected to sell goods in the speciality store, hoping to sell a wide range of recording equipment alongside the variety of trinkets and memorabilia on sale to mark the 18th tournament.