Robots, rules and corporate identity: inside issue three of Japanese football magazine Shukyu

The third issue of Shukyu magazine looks at the idea of identity in football, and the Japanese publication takes a global look at the state of the game. From the ConIFA World Cup, a tournament for states and people not affiliated to FIFA, to the evolution of Robot Soccer, this latest issue explores social, political and technological changes to the beautiful game and how it impact on those who play it at all levels. The mix of stories is untied with a bold approach to layout and illustration by art director So Hashizume, creative director Kohei Ito and editor-in-chief Takashi Ogami.

“Football as a sport that is played throughout the world, harbors various possibilities. In order to further expand its possibilities, it is first and foremost important to be able to learn, think, and imagine," says Takashi. “This is of course something that is not only limited to football. Through this issue we look forward to thinking about the course of the future with our readers.”

“Issues related to identity such discrimination and conflict actually occur even in the world of sports, which in itself is often described as a microcosm of society. Is it indeed appropriate to distinguish human beings by units of nation, sex, and colour of skin? It is perhaps necessary for us to first of all begin by questioning this conventional approach,” he continues. “In addition, the evolution of technology will inevitably bring about more and more changes to our lives, and one wonders how one’s identity will change amidst this context. This issue thus focuses on the theme of identity as perspective for consideration.”