A cultural gesture on the world stage
Japanese manager Hajime Moriyasu has spoken admiringly of the tradition among Japanese supporters of tidying up stadiums after matches, describing it as a vivid expression of national pride.
The practice, which sees fans sweep away litter before the team even leaves the venue, reflects a broader cultural emphasis on collective responsibility, Moriyasu said, noting that the habit is taught from childhood and reinforced at sporting events.
His remarks come ahead of the historic encounter between Japan and Tunisia, a fixture that marks the 1,000th game in World Cup history and coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a milestone he hopes the match will highlight.
Moriyasu also recalled an episode in Nashville, Tennessee, where local staff joined the Japanese fans in cleaning the stands, a moment he used to illustrate the spirit of cooperation that transcends borders, while dismissing concerns that such volunteer work might jeopardize employment opportunities.
The coach concluded by emphasizing that the gesture is more than a cleaning ritual; it is a manifestation of a mentality that values helping one another, a message he believes will resonate with spectators worldwide.