Japanese fans had plenty to celebrate after their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands at the Dallas Stadium in Texas but once again they will make headlines for an incredible gesture after the full-time whistle of the World Cup 2026 clash.
As usual in sporting events of this size, the stands of the stadium became littered with rubbish, such as food trays and empty drinks cups, but Japan’s supporters remained behind and cleaned up before departing the stadium.
The Japanese have built up a reputation for respecting and tidying up football stadiums having been spotted doing so at the previous World Cups in Qatar (2022), Russia (2018) and even France all the way back in 1998.
The fans have performed such duties, not just at World Cups, but at any event they attend even if their team are not playing or performing. In Japanese culture cite there is a proverb: "tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu" which, when translated into English, means "a bird that flies away never leaves dirt behind" meaning travellers should ensure their traces are not unsightly when they leave.
Cleaning takes on a spiritual meaning for the Japanese as is explained here.
It is also good manners for the Japanese to leave a place as they found it and to clean before they depart. Most supporters are taught these principles as children and take pride in sticking to them throughout their lives.
In contrast to Western cultures, the Japanese see this as basic bahaviour and politeness and though it is a common enough practice in events featuring Japan, the gesture from the fans must again be praised and celebrated.
On the pitch, Japan kicked off their World Cup campaign with a draw against the Netherlands having twice come from behind to rescue a point in Group H.
Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring in the second half before Keito Nakamura pulled Japane back level just six minutes later. Crysencio Summerville slotted the Dutch back in front but Daichi Kamada’s late goal ensured there is nothing to separate the teams in Group F.
Yet former Tottenham boss and ITV pundit Ange Postecoglou, who has previously coached in the J1 League, was frustrated by the Japanese team and how they played saying: “It’s my frustration.
“Everytime they went a goal down you saw the capabilities they have, [they were] a lot more positive on the ball.
“The frustration for me is that they are capable of a lot more than what they showed today and they can be a lot braver than what they put out.”
