Supporters of the Japanese national soccer team, nicknamed Samurai Blue, collect trash in the stands after the World Cup match against the Netherlands near Dallas on Sunday.
DALLAS, Texas (Jiji Press) -- Supporters of the Japanese national soccer team have won admiration for their cleanup activity at a recent FIFA World Cup match in the United States, showing the Japanese custom of leaving a place cleaner than they found it.
The supporters filled plastic bags with garbage after a Group F game between Japan and the Netherlands that was held on Sunday near Dallas, Texas, and ended in a 2-2 draw. The 2026 World Cup is being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
FIFA praised their civic-minded behavior, pointing out that supporters of the Japanese team, nicknamed Samurai Blue, always clean up after themselves.
Trash-picking efforts by Japanese supporters have become a hallmark of their presence at FIFA tournaments. The same behavior was evident at the 2018 World Cup in Russia as well, even after Japan lost.
When the practice was reported during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said: "For Japanese people, it's just a matter of course. You have to leave a place cleaner than when you arrived."
Jameis Winston (front right), a quarterback for the New York Giants of the U.S. National Football League, picks up trash with Japanese supporters after the World Cup match against the Netherlands near Dallas on Sunday. (From FOX's official site)
This time, an unexpected supporter joined the cleanup activity. Jameis Winston, a quarterback for the New York Giants of the U.S. National Football League, was seen lending a hand while wearing the blue uniform of the Japanese team. Videos showing him joining the cleanup went viral, further highlighting the significance of the Japanese supporters' conduct. Winston is attending the World Cup as a commentator for Fox Sports.