Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJapanese football supporters once again garnered praise for cleaning up the Dallas Stadium after their team's 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a World Cup 2026 match. Fans remained behind after the final whistle to clear rubbish, such as food trays and empty drinks cups, from the stands, a gesture they have consistently performed at major tournaments including previous World Cups. This tradition of tidying up is rooted in Japanese culture, guided by the proverb 'tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu,' which translates to 'stand up, take care of it, without leaving any traces behind.' The practice is considered basic good manners and politeness in Japan, with supporters taught these principles from childhood, contrasting with typical behaviour at sporting events in other cultures. On the pitch, Japan secured a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup 2026 opener, coming from behind twice with goals from Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada, though pundit Ange Postecoglou expressed frustration with their cautious play. In fullJapanese fans deliver incredible gesture after World Cup clash with NetherlandsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why Japanese fans clean the stadium after every World Cup match
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJapanese football supporters once again garnered praise for cleaning up the Dallas Stadium after their team's 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a World Cup 2026 match. Fans remained behind after the final whistle to clear rubbish, such as food trays and empty drinks cups, from the stands, a gesture they have consistently performed at major tournaments including previous World Cups. This tradition of tidying up is rooted in Japanese culture, guided by the proverb 'tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu,' which translates to 'stand up, take care of it, without leaving any traces behind.' The practice is considered basic good manners and politeness in Japan, with supporters taught these principles from childhood, contrasting with typical behaviour at sporting events in other cultures. On the pitch, Japan secured a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup 2026 opener, coming from behind twice with goals from Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada, though pundit Ange Postecoglou expressed frustration with their cautious play. In fullJapanese fans deliver incredible gesture after World Cup clash with NetherlandsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
