After Samurai Blue sweep aside Tunisia, Japan fans clean up Monterrey stadium

The practice, known in Japan as gomi hiroi, reflects an emphasis on taking responsibility for shared spaces.

Japan fans clean up rubbish in the stands after the match. (Photo: Reuters/Eloisa Sanchez)

21 Jun 2026 08:12PM

(Updated: 21 Jun 2026 08:26PM)

MONTERREY: Japanese fans celebrated their team's 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the 1,000th match in World Cup history on Saturday (Jun 20) by staying behind at Monterrey’s stadium to collect rubbish from the stands.The practice, known in Japan as gomi hiroi, reflects an emphasis on taking responsibility for shared spaces.Ken Okawa, 30, said he was happy to bring this tradition to his very first World Cup match as he stooped down to collect discarded cups and other garbage from the floor around his seat."We are guests in Mexico," he said. "I have been treated wonderfully, so this is my way of showing my appreciation."