Japanese fans have remained in the stadium long after their side’s famous 2022 World Cup victory over Germany yesterday – but not to celebrate. Rather the opposite.
Japanese fans are well known for staying after the game to tidy up the pitch, having done the same at the 2018 World Cup as well. Yesterday was no different despite the euphoria of victory over the Germans, with Blue Samurai fans containing their joy as they soberly picked up the rubbish from the seats at the Khalifa International Stadium.
However, what is perhaps overlooked is the mess professional footballers can actually create. While most countries let someone else tidy up after them, Japan is different.
Los jugadores y el personal de Japón dejaron el vestuario limpio e hicieron ‘grullas de origami’ como símbolo de honor. Esto es maravilloso./ The Japan team 🇯🇵 left the dressing room spotless and left the origami as a thank you. Tremendous. #FIFAWorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/JzUqptrX5BNovember 24, 2022
Japan cleaned up the locker room like a treat, leaving it absolutely spotless, like no one had even been there in the first place. Moreover, they left a gift in Qatar.
Japanese players left behind 11 origami paper cranes. In Japanese culture, cranes are mystical animals that symbolize long life and healing, with each of the starters in the field giving a crane to represent their thanks to their hosts.
This year, Adidas’ shirts for Japan may be inspired by the crane. The graphic printed across the entire top echoes the shape, yet has the vibrancy to feel like it’s traveling.
Sure, TFF listed it as our No. 1 jersey of the tournament – before the shock result on Die Mannschaft, ‘n’ all. Nice one, Japan – now the team can almost qualify for the next round of the competition with a win over Costa Rica…
