Japan’s Fans Are Scoring Points, Not Goals
While the Japanese national team may not be chasing the World Cup trophy, their supporters are winning the match for good sportsmanship in Russia. Their cheeky “clean‑up” habit has left rivals stunned and the media humming.
From the 2‑1 Victory to the Blue‑Bag Deluge
After Japan stunned Colombia with a 2‑1 win — the first time an Asian side beat a South American one in a World Cup — the fans didn’t just celebrate. They gathered their trash, stuffed it into blue plastic bags, and tossed it in the bin. The colour? Their national kit. The gesture? Pure pride.
- Fans from Colombia and Senegal rolled in behind, following the tidy example.
- The footage of the clean‑up quickly turned into a new World Cup staple.
Diaries from the Distant East
According to “You’ve Got Your Own Terabytes” journalist from the Sun in London, a letter to defender Maya Yoshida on the eve of a clash with Senegal asked why the fans were doing this. Yoshida replied: “We’re not just a team; we’re a whole nation. Seeing our fans behave so well gives us pride. The world is looking.”
The “Fan Rule” of Cleanliness
Even at home, Japanese crowds at league matches tend to follow the same rule. The habit spreads to coffee shops, cinemas, and concerts. Masaya Tsukada, a fan in Yekaterinburg, explained: “It’s an unofficial code — clean the space you’re in. We represent Japan not only on the pitch but off it.”
What Happens If Someone Lacks Decency?
When asked how they’d react to a fan who didn’t bin, Tsukada chuckled: “Honestly, we don’t shout. Japanese people are shy. We let it slide.”
No Harassing, but Mild Swearing
Upholding an orderly environment, the fans avoid violence. If they do use swear words, they’re gentle in tone. “We don’t discriminate or threaten anyone; we use mild, courteous swears,” said Tsukada.
Heroes? Or Hooligans?
While Japanese domestic teams do have passionate ultras, some observers worry about potential hooliganism. Aoyanagi and Murai, sipping beers in a local bar, clarified: “No – we’re not strong fans in the bad sense. Japanese hooliganism isn’t something we celebrate.”
Traditional Values Keep It Tidy
Yuma Fujita, 19 and hailing from Niigata, highlighted the cultural side: “It’s a traditional Japanese value to keep places clean for the next person. We also appreciate the environment.” He noted that most Japanese fans don’t swear at matches because the tournaments have many families present.
He added, however, that a bit of lively language could spice up the football culture, provided it stays balanced: “It would help develop football culture, but we need to keep the right balance.”
A World Cup Without Disorder
So far this World Cup has been the cleanest on record. It proves that even when the team isn’t destined for the trophy, the supporters can shine brighter than a striker’s header. Who said soccer is all about drama? In Russia, Japan’s fans are showing the world how it’s done.
