Japan wins big at World Cup 2026, fans clean stadium and Tokyo celebrates

Japan achieved a resounding 4-0 victory against Tunisia in the landmark 1000th World Cup match, a performance that virtually seals their place in the knockout stage. The win was celebrated not only on the field but also by the team's supporters, who upheld a unique tradition that has garnered international attention.

Following the match, Japanese fans engaged in their customary practice of cleaning the stadium seating areas they occupied. This meticulous "gomi hiroi" (trash collecting) has become a hallmark of their World Cup presence, drawing admiration and highlighting a deep-seated cultural value. While many football fans leave behind remnants of food and discarded plastic, Japanese supporters meticulously clear their surroundings.

This tradition is often linked to the Japanese proverb, "Tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu," which translates literally to "A bird leaves nothing behind." The broader meaning emphasizes returning a place to its original state, leaving no trace of one's presence. Scott North, a sociology professor at Osaka University, explained to the BBC in 2018 that cleaning after matches is an extension of basic behaviors taught in schools, where children are responsible for cleaning their classrooms.

Fans like Miku Takeya, 41, described the habit as natural. "It's a natural part of our culture. We do it to ensure that everything we use is left clean, so the next person can use it comfortably. We are guests in Mexico. I was treated wonderfully, so this is my way of showing my gratitude," she said. Local authorities in Monterrey even distributed 20,000 trash bags at the stadium and fan zones in anticipation of requests from Japanese fans. This commitment to cleanliness was also evident in previous World Cups, including Qatar 2022, where fans cleaned up after victories against Germany and even before their team played in the opening match.

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It's a natural part of our culture. We do it to ensure that everything we use is left clean, so the next person can use it comfortably. We are guests in Mexico. I was treated wonderfully, so this is my way of showing my gratitude.