Nike Japan designed a special gift to honor Rafa's recent successes and  his inaugural trip to Japan. The one-of-a-kind hoodie was inspired by a  traditional Japanese jacket called "Suka-Jan," famous for beautiful  embroideries that cover the back. Check out the album see the story  behind the design.




The peony, hand-embroidered in gold thread, that adorns the hood of the  jacket represents Rafa's current status as "King" or Number 1 in tennis.



The four Japanese characters on the back spell out "Raging Bull Attack" -  the two on the left for "Raging Bull," from his nickname, and the two  on the right making up a common word historically used when outsiders  would attack Japan. It symbolizes Rafa's historical first visit to the  country and the world-class level of physical and mental "attack" he  brings to the game of tennis.

Below the Japanese characters is an  unmistakable icon of Japan: the sun rising through the clouds above  Mount Fuji. It is included as a beautiful reminder of the country.

The "Raging Bull" sits just below Mt. Fuji, adorned in red and purple  peonies, with red representing the national color of Japan and purple  nobility.



Here's an up close look at the face of "Raging Bull" and White Snake.  The face design was inspired by a Japanese traditional celebration icon  called "Shishi-mai" or "Lion Dance" which is used only during happy  celebrations in Japan.

The White Snake is a symbol of good luck,  so by intertwining the Snake (luck) with the Bull (Rafa), they are  bringing good luck to him.



Rafa's hoodie is made up of several unique elements, designed in  collaboration with one of Japan's most sought-after tattoo artists,  AKILLA from Tattoo Soul.

The back features Japanese characters, a  rising sun over Mt. Fuji, and the "Raging Bull." The front features the  face of "Raging Bull," intertwined with a White Snake and the hood is  adorned with a gold embroidered peony. Read on to learn more about each  design element.






This is a rendering of the hoodie front, adorned with the face of "Raging Bull" and a White Snake on the right breast.


Rafa's "Raging Bull Attack" hoody was delivered to him in custom designed box and hand-embroidered bag. Recognize the Japanese characters and the flower?

(source)