Japan’s supporters continue to win an army of fans online as they once again stayed behind to clean up the stadium despite watching their side lose to Costa Rica.
After seeing their nation record a shock win over Germany in their first game, heartbroken Japanese fans were devastated after Costa Rica’s Keysher Fuller stole all three points earlier today.
However, while many football fans would have been distraught, Japan’s supporters once again showed their class by staying behind to clean up the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.
The Japan supporters gave gathered widespread support after they were pictured cleaning up not only for their own match against Germany but also during the World Cup opener, Qatar vs Ecuador.
Japan’s supporters continue to win an army of fans online as they once again stayed behind to clean up the stadium despite watching their side lose to Costa Rica. Pictured: A Japan fan cleans up at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Incredible images (above) showed fans holding up bags inside the stadium before the match that they would later use to pick up the rubbish in the stands after
Fans dressed in their national colours stayed behind to pick up bottles and food wrapping left in the stands.
The country has gained a reputation for similar goodwill at previous international tournaments and their admirable behaviour is already winning plaudits in the Middle East.
Today, incredible images showed fans holding up bags inside the stadium before the match that they would later use to pick up the rubbish in the stands after.
Their late heartbreak in Qatar throws Group E wide open but despite fans pouring out the stadium, Japans supporters stuck around.
The admirable move in the sweltering Qatar heat has been widely commended yet again.
Despite the sweltering Qatar heat and a gut-wrenching loss, Japan fans still showed their class
After seeing the Japan fans clearing up again, ‘One user said: ‘These guys are the real winners of the World Cup!’
Their late heartbreak in Qatar throws Group E wide open but despite fans pouring out the stadium, Japans supporters stuck around.
One user said: ‘These guys are the real winners of the World Cup!’
Another said: ‘Even after defeat, Japan fans still cleaned up the stadium’.
Meanwhile the official FIFA account said: ‘In victory or defeat, there is always respect. Thank you for helping to #SaveThePlanet, Japan fans!’
Another fan said: ‘Respect for Japan Fans even after losing 1-0 to Costa Rica.’
It’s becoming a re-occurring theme to see Japan fans leaving no trace behind at stadiums.
Against Germany, they left their dressing room at the Khalifa International Stadium absolutely spotless.
Pictures shared on social media showed the floors swept, litter sorted into neat piles and even windows left open for ventilation in the Japan locker room after their 2-1 win.
Japan supporters were hoping for their side to emulate their first game in which they beat Germany 2-1
Japanese fans have explained that they clear up because their ‘our heart is clean, so the stands must be clean’
The official FIFA account said: ‘In victory or defeat, there is always respect. Thank you for helping to #SaveThePlanet, Japan fans!’
In a delightful touch, the Japan players and staff also left Origami swans and a thank you note in Japanese and Arabic.
Japan fans have explained why they are collecting rubbish and cleaning up – even at games not involving their nation.
One fan told Al Jazeera: ‘Our heart is clean, so the stands must be clean. This means the team reaches its destiny.’
Japan’s players and staff left their dressing room spotless after celebrating a shock 2-1 win over Germany in their opening World Cup group match
The team even left Origami swans and a thank you note in Japanese and Arabic for their hosts
Meanwhile several fans references the word ‘atarimate’ which translates to ‘stating the obvious’.
A second fan said: ‘What we’re taught is that leaving things cleaner than the way you found it is atarimae. And that we should always express gratitude.’
And a third added: ‘It’s because we’re taught it by our parents and through education.’
Back in 2018, after a heartbreaking defeat in the final moments of their World Cup last 16 tie with Belgium, they earned massive respect when they cleared up the Rostov Arena.