What the World Can Learn from Japanese Football Fans

Dean Weiss
3 days ago
3 min read

Litter has recently become a major focus for me, involving activities like litter-picking in Gqeberha and my support for Arnold Schwarzenegger's initiatives to fight pollution and climate change. With all the littering and illegal dumping happening around us, it's refreshing to hear some good news on the topic. The BBC Sport app shared a story about Japanese World Cup fans in the USA who cleaned up after their match in Dallas.

Imagine the South African Rugby fans at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium doing the same after the Springboks victory against the Barbarians this past weekend. Guess what? It's not going to happen soon. Why? South Africans have a sense of entitlement, where they believe its below them to pick up litter "It wasn't me so why should I do it?", "They have people who are paid to do this" and "They must educate those who litter", while they look away and try to ignore the problem.

This article examines the approach employed by Japan to foster a culture where littering is both unacceptable and uncommon. Although this approach might appear challenging for South Africans, educating our youth and shaping their mindset can give hope for the future of our nation.

Japanese flag waving on a pole in front of a red shrine gate under a bright sky. — ***The Japanese flag***

A Culture of Responsibility, Not Recognition

In stadiums across the globe, the final whistle usually signals a mass exit, with fans leaving behind a sea of plastic cups, food wrappers, and discarded banners. Yet, supporters from Japan have consistently redefined this norm. Whether at FIFA World Cups or international friendlies, Japanese fans remain behind, methodically cleaning their sections, often bringing their own rubbish bags. This is not a publicity stunt or a reaction to global praise; it is a deeply ingrained social norm.

This behaviour stems from cultural principles such as “gomi o motte kaeru” (take your rubbish home) and a broader societal emphasis on respect for shared spaces. Cleanliness in Japan is not outsourced, it is internalised. From a young age, children participate in cleaning their

classrooms and school grounds, reinforcing accountability and collective responsibility.

Group of young men in navy jerseys and red-white headbands, one holding a drum, standing in a crowded outdoor rally. — ***Japanese football fans cheering on their team. (Image- WiX AI)***

Football as a Reflection of Japanese Society

What occurs in stadiums is merely a reflection of everyday life in Japan. Public areas such as train stations, parks, and streets are regarded with respect as they are considered communal assets. The lack of public trash bins in many Japanese cities underscores the emphasis on personal responsibility, as individuals are expected to handle their own waste.

In this context, football supporters are not acting differently, they are acting consistently. The stadium becomes a microcosm of national values: discipline, respect, and consideration for others. Importantly, this behaviour transcends victory or defeat. Japanese fans have been observed cleaning up even after painful losses, underscoring that their actions are principle-driven, not emotion-driven.

Japanese soccer fans in blue jerseys clean stadium seats with bags and cups; poster says Change starts with you. — ***An AI summary of the Japanese respect for their surroundings and our Planet***

The Japanese are setting a global standard worth embracing.

The implications for other nations are significant. Littering is not merely an environmental issue; it reflects societal attitudes toward responsibility and respect. If fans can celebrate passionately yet leave a stadium spotless, it challenges the long-held assumption that large crowds inevitably generate chaos and waste.

Adopting this mindset does not require identical cultural roots, but it does demand a shift in thinking—from entitlement to stewardship. Governments, event organisers, and communities can encourage this through education, infrastructure, and visible leadership. Nonetheless, genuine change starts with the individual.

Japanese football supporters have set a powerful precedent: pride in one’s nation is not only shown through chants and flags, but through actions that leave a positive, lasting impact. The question is whether the rest of the world (including South Africa) is willing to follow.