Following Japan’s 2-1 win Tuesday night over Colombia, BBC News posted the following:
After a heated World Cup match, the stands are usually left with food waste, cups and wrappers scattered in the heat of the moment.
But after the team swept Colombia off the pitch, Japanese fans also did their share of sweeping: meticulously cleaning up their rows and seats in the stadium.
Equipped with large rubbish bags they brought along, the fans marched through the rows picking up rubbish, to leave the place just as neat as they had found it.
Gordon Price adds to the sentiment: “Not at all surprised by this. In two weeks, not an exaggeration to say I have seen no litter.”
“I’ve started to take wrappings with me (no real option; no litter containers, even in malls). I took the wrapping on a plastic spoon from the take-out restaurant I patronized, with a sense I’d feel shamed if I didn’t.”
“It’s all about the culture, folks.”
Lastly, from Australian football journalist Scott McIntyre:
You often hear people say that football is a reflection of culture. An important aspect of Japanese society is making sure that everything is absolutely clean and that’s the case in all sporting events and certainly also in football.
…it may sound bland and boring, but this is the reality of a country that’s built on respect and politeness…this simply extends to doing respectful things in football.
…the World Cup brings so many nations and people together…to learn and exchange these kinds of things. That’s the beauty of football.
