Photo: Maykova Galina/Shutterstock

Japanese World Cup Fans Warm Hearts Worldwide Cleaning Up the Stands After Matches

Culture Outdoor Japan
Photo: Maykova Galina/Shutterstock
Olivia Harden
Nov 28, 2022

If you’ve ever been to a live sporting event, you know what to expect while in the stands. The energy from the crowd can be electric while everyone eats, drinks, laughs, and cheers on their favorite team. On the way out, the stands rarely look like they did when they came in, and they’re often littered with food, wrappers, and other trash. Not if you’re playing the Japanese, though. While they’re sure to be ready to celebrate after winning a big game, it’s essential to show respect to other teams and leave places better than they found them. Videos of Japanese World Cup fans have recently gone viral on TikTok for cleaning up their side of the stands with trash bags.

@aljazeeraontiktok Why do Japanese football fans clean up after a match? @Sandra Gathmann asks the fans #QatarWorldCup2022 #FIFA #WorldCup #Qatar #Football #Qatar2022 #WorldCup2022 #Japan #cleaning #fans ♬ beat5 – trackmusika

The videos don’t show the thousands of fans that attended cleaning up in the stands, but the dozens of fans who do stay behind have had a positive impact on the country’s image abroad. The hired stadium clean-up team was quick to show their thanks to the Japanese for the gesture.

For the Japanese World Cup fans, cleaning up behind themselves and others is “atarimae” because cleanliness and collectivity are ingrained in society. The etiquette is known to inspire other fans to do the same. At the World Cup in 2018, Senegal fans also stayed behind to pick up their stands.

“We believe we can make this contagious,” Tomomi Kishikawa, a fan from Tokyo, told The New York Times. “We don’t need to push anyone to clean. But if we start, maybe we can be a good example of respect.”

What did you think of this story?
Meh
Good
Awesome

More on

Japan

Turns Out, the World’s Most Developed City Is Also Flush With Green Spaces

Sugita Is the One Omakase Sushi Experience You Need To Have in Tokyo

A Step-by-Step Guide for Making Mochi, Japan's Most Delicious Treat

This Kyoto Hotel Blends History With Luxury Amenities

At Zauo Fishing Restaurant in Japan, Fish for Your Food Right From Your Table

Omurice: This Popular Japanese Egg and Rice Dish, Explained

This Rowdy Alleyway Is the Best Place To Drink Beer and People Watch in Tokyo

Japan's 'Floating Noodles' Are a Must-Try Summer Dining Experience

7 of the Best Treks and Hikes in Japan You Should Do This Year

12 Tokyo Airbnbs in the Heart of the Incredible City

We think you might also like

You Can Bring Your Own Booze To This Amazing 66-Acre Botanical Garden That Has a Grilled Cheese Kiosk

When You Visit the Bradenton Area on Florida's Gulf Coast, Get Outdoors and Love It Like a Local. Here's How.

Get To Know the Real Banff, From Hot Springs and Waterfalls To Historic Town Sites

Your 2023 Azores Vacation: a Guide To São Miguel and Beyond

Where To Go Surfing in Hawaii for Every Skill Level

Turns Out, the World’s Most Developed City Is Also Flush With Green Spaces

7 Great Wilderness Areas and State Parks Near Yosemite National Park

9 Mexico City Parks Where You Can Relax in One of the World's Biggest Cities

Top Outdoor Adventures in Nevada, From Easy To Extreme

How To Visit Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar

11 Gorgeous Parks and Gardens in Paris That Prove Nature Can Be Chic

Save Bookmark

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. For more information read our privacy policy.