Japan fans cleaned up rubbish in the stands after their team's 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey. Known as gomi hiroi, this practice reflects their commitment to shared spaces.
Ken Okawa, attending his first World Cup, expressed gratitude for being treated kindly and embraced this cultural practice. "I have been treated wonderfully, so this is my way of showing appreciation," he said.
In Japan, children learn to clean their classrooms, instilling the practice early on. Miku Takeya stated, "It's a natural part of our culture. We do this to ensure that everything we use is left clean for others."
The habit has recently gone viral, with images of fans doing this after matches capturing global attention. Governor Samuel García noted the provision of 20,000 trash bags at the event in response to requests from Japanese fans.
Although it has gained international recognition, fans like Ichiro Oyo consider it common sense. Ryo Matsuoka emphasized pride in showcasing this aspect of Japanese culture on a global stage.