Why Do Japanese Fans Clean Stadiums After Matches?

During the current World Cup, Japanese supporters have drawn global attention by cleaning up trash they left behind in the stadium after the match against the Netherlands. This habit of Japanese fans has now become an established cultural practice. Japan played its first match against the Netherlands, which ended in a draw. Yet again, Japanese fans managed to captivate worldwide observation. Videos circulating on social media show Japanese supporters picking up half-eaten food and discarded plastic items, cleaning the stadium themselves.

This practice of Japanese fans cleaning stadiums began to be noticed during the 1998 World Cup in France. This custom can also be observed in other major sporting events, including the Olympics beyond football. Addressing why Japanese supporters clean the stadiums, sociology professor Scott North from Osaka University said, the Japanese phrase “たつとりあとをにごさず” (“Tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu”) means, “A bird never dirties the place where it has perched.” This phrase reflects the fundamental reason behind the fans’ cleaning culture.

According to Scott North, “Cleaning up after a football match is a continuation of basic behavior taught in schools.” Japanese children clean their classrooms and corridors themselves. By using the World Cup as an opportunity to showcase this cultural tradition, Japan not only shares its practice with the world but also promotes its cultural values effectively.