Japan’s World Cup fans praised for cleaning up garbage after match

Following a 2-2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands on Sunday in Dallas, Japanese fans who came to cheer on their team were seen cleaning up the garbage in the massive venue after the match. Supporters of Japan’s “Samurai Blue” were spotted collecting bottles and food wrappers from the stands. It’s nothing new for the Japanese, who did the same thing in Qatar four years ago. It’s a big part of their culture.

Fox Sports noted that Japanese children are taught a lesson in elementary school: “Tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu,” or “the bird leaves nothing behind.” In other words, “be respectful, leave it the way you found it.” A wild second half Japan impressed on the pitch as well, holding the heavily favoured Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in its opening match of the tournament. After a lacklustre first half, the game exploded with three goals in 13 minutes. The Netherlands opened the scoring with a header from centre back Virgil van Dijk. Japan responded six minutes later when Keito Nakamura’s shot deflected off Jan Paul van Hecke and into the Dutch net.