Japanese soccer fans, known for their practice of cleaning stadiums after matches, have apparently inspired local residents to participate in the clean-up efforts following a World Cup group stage game between Japan and Sweden in Dallas. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, saw Japan secure their advancement to the knockout stages. Following the game, Japanese supporters were observed collecting litter in the stands, placing it into blue plastic bags labeled "Japan Pride."

The bags, often brought by fans in large numbers, are initially used for displaying support for the team before being repurposed for post-match clean-up according to local regulations. This tradition has been a consistent feature of Japan's World Cup appearances since 1998.

This time, the Japanese fans were not alone in their efforts. Local residents were seen joining the post-game clean-up. Eitan Podgaetz, a Dallas resident, told the Dallas Morning News that the Japanese fans' actions inspired him to get involved, describing the atmosphere as "great" and the Japanese fans' continuous singing as a "great experience."

NFL quarterback Jameis Winston, of the New York Giants, was also seen wearing a Japan jersey and assisting with the clean-up.

The practice extends beyond the World Cup. In March, Japanese fans were commended for cleaning up after an international friendly against England at Wembley Stadium. The team itself has also received praise for leaving dressing rooms in immaculate condition, sometimes leaving behind origami swans and thank-you notes.

This clean-up behavior is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where cleanliness is emphasized from an early age and taught in schools. Scott North, a professor of sociology at Osaka University, explained in 2018 that tidying is seen as a way of demonstrating pride in the Japanese way of life and is an extension of behaviors learned in childhood. In Japan, cleanliness forms a huge part of the culture and is instilled in people from an early age

The tradition of stadium clean-up has, in some instances, sparked similar actions by fans of other nations, such as Senegal after their 2018 World Cup match against Poland.

Japan is scheduled to play Brazil in Houston on June 29 for their next match in the tournament. Japanese fans typically use their blue plastic bags to show support for their team pre-match, before cleaning up with them after the game Locals were also seen joining in with the tradition that has become custom to Japan's fans at the World Cup