×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Kenya's Bold Newspaper
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

'Normal thing to do': Japanese fans tidy up at World Cup

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Japan supporters clean the stands at the end of the World Cup group E soccer match between Germany and Japan, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. Japan won 2-1.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)


The sight of Japanese fans at a World Cup bagging trash after a match - win or lose - always surprises non-Japanese. Japanese players are famous for doing the same in their team dressing room: hanging up towels, cleaning the floor, and even leaving a thank-you note.

The behavior is driving social media posts at the World Cup in Qatar, but it's nothing unusual for Japanese fans or players. They are simply doing what most people in Japan do - at home, at school, at work, or on streets from Tokyo to Osaka, Shizuoka to Sapporo.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Fact-first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By Sammy Mose 7 hrs ago
Sports
Kirimi powers to glory at VetLab Club event
Sports
Strathmore Swords bounce back to slice Eldonets in league battle
Sports
K'Ogalo silence Muranga Seal to move one win away from title
By AFP 9 hrs ago
Sports
African stars in Europe: Antoine Semenyo wins it for City