In the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage encounter on Wednesday in Qatar, Japan earned a historic first-ever victory over Germany. Besides earning accolades worldwide for their prowess on the field, the Japanese national team won over the internet for an amazing gesture. After defeating Germany, the Japanese footballers cleaned their locker area and left it spotless rather than only celebrating their triumph.

“After a historic victory against Germany at the #FIFAWorldCup on Match Day 4, Japan fans cleaned up their rubbish in the stadium, whilst the @jfa_samuraiblue left their changing room at Khalifa International Stadium like this. Spotless.” – FIFA tweeted with a photo of the locker room.

In the image, the counter in the middle of the room is nicely placed with towels, water bottles, and leftover food containers. Along with some folded paper cranes, the Japanese crew also left a letter that read “thank you” in both Japanese and Arabic.

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The post-match clean-up process that Japanese supporters are famous for continued in the meantime. After their team had won 2-1, the Japanese fans at Khalifa International Stadium stayed behind to pick up the trash rather than to celebrate the victory. As soon as the stadium began to empty, Japanese fans could be seen retrieving disposable light blue trash bags. Walking across the stadium, they could be seen stooping to pick up broken cups, bottles, food wrappers, and even discarded German flags.

Social media users were moved by the act of kindness and in awe of Japanese culture and traditions. One user said, “It’s not just the fans, the players after a gruelling match and the adrenaline rush of one of their greatest wins ever... found the energy and calm to clean up their dressing room. Spot the origami they’ve left behind too. Just so much admiration for their commitment to cleanliness.”

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The Japanese footballers' gesture of cleaning up the locker room after overcoming Germany in a FIFA World Cup 2022 Group match was admirable. Responding to netizens’ appreciation, one Japanese fan wrote: "We are Japanese, and we do not leave waste behind us, and we respect the place."