Japan Players Clean Changing Rooms And Bow To Fans After Defeat To Belgium

Getty

Japan proved their good sportsmanship by cleaning changing rooms and bowing to fans after being knocked out of the World Cup yesterday at the hands of Belgium, (July 2).

Japan’s team and supporters have proved to be charming and polite throughout their time at the World Cup, with fans cleaning up the stadium after their team’s games, and showing up to support Japan in full costume.

Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing any more of this after Japan’s 3-2 loss to Belgium yesterday.

However, rather than leaving the stadium bitter and disappointed, Japan stayed as delightful as ever, and did some final cleaning up, before taking the time to thank their fans.

In a heartwarming display, Japan’s team remained on the pitch to bow to their dedicated fans after the defeat:

Getty

They also cleaned their team’s changing rooms in Russia, and left a thank you note written in the host country’s language:

Continuing to set an example for World Cup fans everywhere, Japan’s supporters followed suit and made sure the stadium was once again spotless following the game – just as they did after their win against Colombia.

The fans picked up cardboard and other rubbish from around the ground, leaving it just as they found it – spotless.

Mohammed Kaif/Twitter

Japan-based football journalist Scott McIntyre told the BBC Japan’s actions were reflective of their culture, saying:

It’s not just part of the football culture but part of Japanese culture. You often hear people say that football is a reflection of culture.

An important aspect of Japanese society is making sure everything is absolutely clean and that’s the case in all sporting events and certainly also in football.

They might leave a bottle or some kind of food package on the ground and then it’s often the case people get tapped on the shoulder by Japanese people, indicating they should clean up or take it home but can’t leave it there.

World Cup fans were very moved by Japan’s display, crediting them for their actions.

One person took to Twitter to write:

They faced heartbreaking defeat from 2 goals leading to 3-2 Their fans stayed back and cleaned the stadium

They cleaned the dressing room and leaves “Thank You” note [sic]

They are really CLASS #Japan #WorldCup [sic]

While another added:

Japan deserved to win and seeing them cry and bow to their fans like that broke my heart. You did well boys!

Japan performed well throughout the tournament, beating Colombia 2-1 as well as drawing against Senegal in the group stages.

They were extremely unlucky to be knocked out of the tournament in the dying minutes against Belgium.

Japan may be out of the World Cup, but they’re definitely winners for their behaviour!

If you have a story you want to tell, send it to [email protected].

Emily Brown

Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.