FIFA today released a series of images and videos showing Japanese fans diligently cleaning and sorting trash at Dallas Stadium following their national team's opening match against the Netherlands.

In the video, an interviewed female fan explained that this act is a deep-rooted Japanese tradition and culture, reflecting profound respect for "everything." "We do this out of respect for the players, the fans, the volunteers, and the stadium itself", she stated, adding, "We are honored to be here, so we do not want to make a mess and then leave."

The sight of Japanese supporters picking up and sweeping trash in the stands first garnered widespread international attention at the 1998 World Cup in France, which marked their national team's debut. Since then, fans have consistently maintained this tradition at every World Cup, including the most recent tournament in Qatar in 2022.

During their Group F opening match against the Netherlands, the Japanese national team equalized twice to secure a 2-2 draw. When Daichi Kamada scored the tying goal with a header in the 88th minute, Japanese fans also captured attention by enthusiastically waving empty blue trash bags in celebration in the stands.

Japanese fans use trash bags to cheer for their national team at Dallas stadium, US. Photo: AFP

Doctor Masafumi Monden, a lecturer in Japanese Studies at the University of Sydney, highlighted that Japan's cleaning culture stems from its education system. Japanese children are taught to clean up after meals from primary school.

"They are taught to keep clean what they use, such as classrooms", Monden said. He further explained, "The Japanese have a saying, 'Tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu', which translates to 'a bird taking flight does not dirty its path'. This means that when you leave a place, you should not leave it messy; instead, keep it as clean as its original state."

Japanese fans clean up trash after the match at Dallas stadium, Texas, US. Photo: AFP

Duc Trung (According to FOX News, CNN, Guardian)