While there have already been interesting victories and a few shocking losses on the field at the 2022 World Cup, it’s the actions of Japanese fans which have been racking up wins of praise and commendation from many at the tournament.

The Japanese who are known for their manners caught the attention of many for their now regimental activity of cleaning up parts of the stadium during games that they attend.

This admirable act which began following the opening game between host nation Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday was again repeated after the match between their own national team Japan and Germany on Wednesday.

The Japanese fans paused their own revelry in celebration of a stunning 2-1 win over the four-time champions Germany, following the final whistle, to assist in cleaning efforts, at the Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar.

Japanese contingent again demonstrating that the best manners and habits are ingrained, irrespective of the situation.

The considerate gesture in cleanliness is however not a novel act by the Japanese fans, as it was also a noted activity by the “Samurais’ in blue” at the last World Cup in Russia in 2018, most notably following their 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the last 16.

It’s understood that cleanliness is an ingrained part of Japanese culture and is drilled into its people from early childhood.

Professor of sociology at Osaka University Scott North speaking to the BBC in 2018, shared that tidying up is a way Japanese people “demonstrate pride in their way of life”.

“Cleaning up after football matches is an extension of basic behaviors that are taught in school, where the children clean their school classrooms and hallways,” he said during the interview.

Japan who is currently second in Group E behind Spain is set to play Costa Rica in their next fixture on Sunday (November 26) followed by Spain on Thursday (December 1).