Since their debut at the men’s World Cup in 1998, Japan’s fans have garnered attention for their practice of cleaning up their sections after matches. This past Sunday, they were joined by a special guest, Jameis Winston.
The New York Giants quarterback serves as a Fox Sports World Cup correspondent and contributed to the coverage of the match between Japan and Netherlands that took place in Dallas on Sunday, which was the opening match for both teams in the tournament.
Prior to kickoff, Winston joined the Netherlands’ “Orange Army” fanbase. Following an exciting 2-2 draw, Winston went to the stands to assist Japanese fans with their cleanup efforts, a tradition they have maintained since their first World Cup appearance in 1998.
Dressed in a custom Japan jersey featuring “No. 4” and “Winston” on the back, Winston also carried a blue bag to collect litter.
The reason behind Japan's commitment to cleanliness is rooted in their educational practices.
Scott North, a sociology professor at Osaka University, explained to the BBC in 2018 that in Japan, students are taught to clean their classrooms and hallways, leading to ingrained habits among the population. "In addition to their heightened awareness of cleanliness and recycling, cleaning up at events like the World Cup allows Japanese fans to express pride in their culture and share it with the world," North stated.
This tradition extends beyond soccer; Japanese fans follow the same practice at other significant sporting events, such as the Olympics.
However, Sunday was notable for the addition of Winston, a veteran quarterback beginning his 12th season in the NFL.