When you're on the other side of the world finding a place to watch World Cup matches usually requires meticulous planning — from persuading friends with giant TV screens to let you join them, to preparing for an assault on your body clock. Flying to Brazil is an option, but for those of us with a less-than-extravagant budget, Adidas and other World Cup sponsors are bringing the spirit of the "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Stadium" to Tokyo.
The Hills Cafe/Space in Roppongi Hills is housing an Adidas display of official World Cup match balls from past World Cups, alongside the Brazuca, the official ball for this year's game in Brazil. Asahi Glass is showcasing a glass roof it has designed for the player benches of World Cup stadiums, while Sony and EA Sports have set up PlayStation 4 consoles running "FIFA 14," a new game for the Brazilian World Cup. Official FIFA goods are also being sold, and you can even buy a replica of this year's World Cup trophy for ¥250,000.
Broadcasts from Brazil will arrive in the mornings in Japan, such as Japan's match against Columbia, which takes place at 5 a.m. on June 25. If you're up for it, the cafe will be open to the public to watch Japan's matches, and possibly some others, on a large screen.
"2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Stadium" takes place at Hills Cafe/Space in the Roppongi Hills complex from May 31-Aug. 3. It is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m., with changes depending on the World Cup schedule. Admission is free. For more information visit adidas.jp/blog/20140513-140000.html.
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