Video: Why Japanese fans clean stands after Japan–Netherlands match
Abdullateef Fowewe
A video showing Japanese supporters methodically clearing bottles, cups and wrappers from stadium stands after the World Cup match against the Netherlands has drawn widespread praise.
“That’s the culture. Respect for everything. Respect for the players, supporters, so we don’t want to make the mess and then leave it, that is why we’re doing it,” one fan says in the clip.
The footage shows groups quietly gathering trash into bags and carrying it out in neat lines.
FIFA praised the action as “a model of respect,” saying the routine honours the venue, fellow supporters and players.
On the pitch, Daichi Kamada’s late header rescued a 2-2 draw for Japan in Dallas after goals from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville had put the Netherlands ahead.
