The Japanese football team and staff were not the only ones who ensured the grounds were clean
(Picture: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)The Qatar Football World cup continues to cause surprises after fans were left stunned by favourites Argentina’s shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia.
But Japan came along providing yet another come-from-behind win against Germany, with substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuman Asano scoring late goals.
Both Doan and Asano play for German clubs but cinched the win for Japan with a 2-1 final score.
“I believe it’s a historic moment, a historic victory,” said Japan coach Hajime Moriyas.
After their win, the Japanese team impressed with their considerate celebrations.
Even after a famous win at the World Cup, Japan fans stayed behind to clean up ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BJnGEQWs6s
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 23, 2022
Japan team cleans Qatar dressing room and leaves origami as a sign of respect
Following Japan’s defeat against Germany, both the players and the staff left their Khalifa International Stadium dressing room spotless.
Pictures shared on social media showed litter had been sorted into neat piles, the floors swept, and even windows left open for ventilation in the Japan locker room.
Their courteousness didn’t stop there, as origami swans were also left behind as a thank-you gesture to their Qatari hosts.
The respectful gesture was not only shared by Japan’s football team but was seen among Japanese fans in Qatar.
Wearing their country’s blue colours, images were seen of the supporters using waste bags and picking up litter in the surrounding area which was left behind in the stands.
The Japanese fans were also seen sweeping up and discarding bottles and food wrappers.
In Japan, cleanliness is next to godliness and these actions were not a one-off.
Amazing 🙌
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) September 20, 2019
Japan fans cleaning up rubbish left in the stadium👍 🇯🇵#RWC2019 #JPNvRUS pic.twitter.com/U75uIaxPdv
Japanese culture
During the 2019 Rugby World Cup, images of Japanese fans clearing up after games were also captured and even shared on social media.
Cleanliness is an integral custom in Japanese culture, as Shinto gods are said to hate filth.
Buddhism also teaches the importance of cleanliness, for having a peaceful mind.
In Japanese culture, the importance of taking responsibility for your own mess is strongly instilled in all.
