Japan fans uphold clean-up tradition after draw

Arlington: Japan fans used their trademark blue bags to continue a long-standing World Cup tradition after their team’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Group F on Sunday. After the final whistle, supporters of the Samurai Blue cleaned the stands, collecting litter before leaving the stadium.

Moments earlier, the blue bags had featured prominently in celebrations after Daichi Kamada headed home from Koki Ogawa’s corner in the 88th minute to secure a draw. 

Along with chanting in the match, Japan fans often raise the bags in unison. The celebrations intensified after goals by Keito Nakamura, who levelled the score at 1-1 in the second half, and Kamada, whose late goal earned Japan a point. Japanese football fans first drew global attention for cleaning stadiums during the team's World Cup appearance in France in 1998. They have continued the practice at every tournament since, including in Qatar in 2022.

At AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, Japan supporters left behind a lasting impression and no litter, unlike the extensive clean-up usually required after games.