On the Wembley stands on 31/3, over 79,000 spectators created a lively atmosphere, though there were also boos directed at the England team after their unconvincing performance. In contrast, the group of Japanese fans, despite their smaller numbers, became the center of attention in a different way.

Japanese fans collect trash after their win against England at Wembley Stadium, London on 31/3. *Photo: screenshot from video*

Immediately after the match, they stayed behind in the stands, carrying blue trash bags they had prepared to collect refuse around their seats. The visiting fans picked up plastic bottles, scraps of paper, and discarded items, neatly placing them into bags before leaving the stadium.

Wembley Stadium's official account quickly posted this action on various platforms with a brief message: "Thank you", tagging the Japan Football Association and including a heart emoji.

The video attracted thousands of admiring comments from fans worldwide. Many expressed awe at the Japanese people's discipline and community spirit. "Come to our stadium, beat us, then clean up for us. They are incredibly respectable", the UK's Daily Mail quoted one comment.

Another wrote: "We can learn a lot from them".

Many other comments called this a display of "class and humility".

*Japanese fans collecting trash.*

This was not the first time images of Japanese fans collecting trash garnered attention. Previously, they had done the same at World Cups in 2018 and 2022. In Qatar in 2022, after their 2-1 victory over Germany, Japanese fans remained at Khalifa International Stadium to clean the spectator areas, earning praise from FIFA.

Not only fans, but Japanese players and team members also left their mark. After their World Cup 2022 matches, they kept their changing room clean and tidy, complete with origami paper cranes and a thank you note to the host nation. This image was lauded by international media as a cultural symbol.

According to sociologists, this cleaning act is not spontaneous but a habit cultivated through education. In Japan, children are taught to clean their classrooms and living areas from a young age, fostering a sense of responsibility for the shared environment. Professor Scott North of Osaka University once described this as how Japanese people express pride in their lifestyle and culture.

The victory against England also holds historical significance for the Japanese national team. This marks their first defeat of the "Three Lions" after three previous encounters resulted in draws and losses. Hajime Moriyasu's team is also the first Asian representative to defeat England.

Hoang An (according to Chosun, Daily Mail)