World Cup World Cup It has become a habit in major international tournaments, but it continues to deserve attention. After the draw between Japan and the Netherlands (2-2) in the 2026 World Cup, Japanese fans once again starred in one of the most praised moments off the pitch. While thousands of spectators were leaving Dallas Stadium in Texas, the Japanese supporters remained in the stands to pick up trash, tidy their respective areas, and leave the venue in almost the same condition they found it. Food trays, empty cups, and other waste accumulated during the match were carefully collected by the fans themselves, in an image that quickly spread across social media. This gesture is far from new. Japanese fans had done exactly the same in the World Cups in Qatar in 2022, Russia in 2018, and even in France in 1998. One of the explanations often cited is associated with the Japanese proverb ‘tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu,’ which can be translated as ‘to leave without a trace.’ Therefore, what is seen as an extraordinary gesture in many countries is viewed in Japan as a simple demonstration of respect and good manners. In a World Cup where the protagonists are usually goals, stars, and results, Japanese fans have once again shown that it is also possible to set an example off the field. And, once again, they earned applause worldwide.
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