Rishi Sunak becomes unlikely fashion icon in Japan and causes shopping frenzy

Bright red baseball socks have been flying off the shelves just a day after Rishi Sunak became an unlikely fashion model.

Footwear bearing the logo of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team sold out after the Prime Minister wore a pair to dinner with his counterpart Fumio Kishida on Thursday.

The fashion choice was designed to charm the Japanese PM who is a fan of the Hiroshima-based team.

Having complied with Japanese etiquette by removing his shoes, Southampton-supporting Mr Sunak gestured downwards and said: ‘I hope your baseball team has had a better season than my football team, who have had a very bad season.’ 

Southampton were relegated. 

Footwear bearing the logo of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team sold out after the Prime Minister wore a pair to dinner with his counterpart Fumio Kishida on Thursday

Local media reported that customers were queuing to buy the socks when stores opened yesterday

The fashion choice was designed to charm the Japanese PM who is a fan of the Hiroshima-based team

To the surprise of the PM’s aides, it has now triggered a Kate Middleton-style copycat rush.

The socks are a limited edition product, sold only in Hiroshima.

Local media reported that customers were queuing to buy them when stores opened yesterday. 

They sold out both in stores and online.

Designer Satoku Murai said: ‘It’s like a dream to be sent out to the world, and I can’t stop shaking.’

She added: ‘I’m so shocked I haven’t slept well today. I’m also happy that the people of Hiroshima are happy with the design.’

Mr Sunak’s socks are thought to have been purchased in advance by a British embassy official after a No 10 aide suggested the idea.

Mr Sunak’s socks are thought to have been purchased in advance by a British embassy official after a No 10 aide suggested the idea