Japan’s World Cup clean-up praise meets scepticism at home

Japanese football fans have once again captured global attention for their post-match stadium clean-ups, a practice that has become a hallmark of their World Cup appearances. Following their team's match against the Netherlands on June 14, images and videos of fans meticulously tidying up their seating areas went viral.

However, this widely praised behavior has sparked a debate at home. A satirical meme, which has gained significant traction on social media platform X, contrasts the stadium clean-up with a domestic scene. The meme depicts a woman doing dishes while a man, wearing the national team's "Samurai Blue" kit, relaxes on the sofa, with the caption "Please do it at home."

The viral post highlights a persistent issue in Japan: the unequal distribution of unpaid domestic labor. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) consistently ranks Japanese men's contribution to housework among the lowest of its member countries. While men are gradually taking on more household tasks, a 2021 government study indicated that men spend an average of just 51 minutes per day on chores, compared to three hours and 24 minutes for women.

The criticism extended beyond gender roles, with some social media users pointing out that Japanese people do not always tidy up after themselves at public events within the country. Litter has been observed on streets following large local events and in less-trafficked areas. The "Please do it at home" meme itself is inspired by a humorous Tokyo Metro poster series designed by artist Bunpei Yorifuji, which aimed to curb disruptive behavior on public transport.

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Please do it at home.