Japanese fans clean stadium after World Cup draw, continuing tradition

Japanese supporters once again captured the imagination of football fans around the world, not just for the atmosphere they created during their side's thrilling FIFA World Cup clash against the Netherlands, but for what they did after the final whistle.

Hours after Daichi Kamada's dramatic 88th-minute equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw for Japan in Group F, videos emerged showing the Samurai Blue faithful cleaning up the stands at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, continuing a tradition that has become synonymous with Japanese football culture.

FIFA shared footage of the heartwarming scenes on social media, with fans using the same blue bags they had waved passionately during the game to collect rubbish before leaving the stadium.

'It's like respect for everything'

Explaining why Japanese fans continue the practice, one supporter delivered a message that resonated across the football world. "That's the culture. But it's like respect for everything. Respect for the players, supporters and also for the stadium. We are honoured to be here, so we don't want to make a mess and then leave it. So I think that's the reason why we are doing it," the fan said in a video shared by FIFA.

The blue bags had played a different role just minutes earlier. They were raised in celebration as Keito Nakamura first levelled the scores before Kamada headed home from Koki Ogawa's corner in the 88th minute to snatch a valuable point for Japan.

A tradition that began in 1998

The practice first drew worldwide attention during Japan's maiden World Cup appearance in France in 1998. Despite their team exiting in the group stage, Japanese supporters stayed behind to pick up litter after matches.

Since then, the gesture has become a familiar sight at major sporting events, including the Olympic Games and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Japan's fans cleaned the stands after their famous 2-1 victory over Germany.

The tradition has now made its mark in the United States as well, leaving AT&T Stadium spotless after a game that had produced plenty of drama on the pitch.

Kamada's late strike rescues Japan

The heartwarming scenes came after Japan fought back twice against the Netherlands. Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring early in the second half before Keito Nakamura equalised for the Samurai Blue. Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch advantage in the 64th minute, but Kamada's late header sparked wild celebrations among the Japanese supporters and secured a deserved share of the points.