June 15, 2026
Japan supporters leave the tribunes after the 2026 World Cup Group F football match between the Netherlands and Japan at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 14, 2026. (Photo by Aric Becker / AFP)
Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas on Sunday, saying it was “Japanese culture” to tidy up after themselves.
Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags.
It is a habit first learned at primary school and Japan fan Eita Tanaka told AFP that “we have to think about everyone”.
