Japanese fans have become famous for their cleanliness and respect at the World Cup. After each match, they pick up their trash and leave the stadium spotless. This tradition is rooted in Japanese culture, where cleanliness and respect for others are highly valued.

A Cultural Expectation

In Japan, children are taught from a young age to clean up after themselves and respect their community. This is reflected in the way Japanese fans behave at the World Cup. They see cleaning up as a way to show respect for the stadium, the other fans, and the game itself.

Nozomi Morgan, an intercultural leadership expert, remembers moving to Japan as a child and being surprised by the emphasis on cleanliness. She recalls being given a rag to clean the classroom floor and being taught to take off her ‘outside shoes’ before entering the school.

A Lesson in Community Service

Hirokazu Tsunoda, a Japanese fan who has been attending the World Cup since 2008, says that cleaning up is not just about keeping the stadium clean, but also about showing respect for the community. He believes that by picking up trash, fans can help create a positive atmosphere and set an example for others.

Tsunoda has become an unofficial spokesman for the Japanese fans and has been recognized for his efforts to promote cleanliness and community service. He says that he brings extra trash bags to games and encourages other fans to join in.

The Japanese team has also been praised for their cleanliness and respect. After each match, they leave the locker room spotless and often leave a thank-you note and some origami cranes.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.