Watch: Japan fans win hearts as they clean stadium after Qatar-Ecuador FIFA World Cup opener

A video on social media is doing the rounds showcasing fans of Japan cleaning the garbage left behind.

The opening game of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 took place on 20 November 2022 between Qatar and Ecuador. While the hosts succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the South American nation, there was a third nation that was also involved in a different capacity. Japanese fans were seen cleaning the stands after the match was over, to the surprise of others inside the stadium.

The general question in everyone’s mind was “why?” since their team was not even involved. As it happens, it is a tradition amongst the Japanese people to clean the stands and leave them spotless. On many occasions, the Japanese national team have also cleaned their locker rooms before leaving the premises after a game.

There were Japanese fans, wearing jerseys of their national team, in the stands witnessing the opening game of the World Cup 2022 between Qatar and Ecuador. They left much later than the fans of either team as they were occupied cleaning up the garbage.

Here is a look at the video:

One of the fans can be seen saying, “We never leave. The Japanese never leave rubbish behind us. We respect the place.”

Another spectator can be seen saying, “Not for the cameras.” For many Qatar locals, this was a rather pleasant and surprising sight at the same time. There were a lot of fans of Japan who were clearing the garbage spread all across the stadium. Furthermore, they also picked up the flags of the national teams from the ground as a mark of respect.

As for Japan’s men’s national team, they are in Group E alongside Germany, Costa Rica and Spain. Their first game of the World Cup is on 23 November 2022 against the Germans.