It shouldn’t be down to the Fapanese fans to remind us to be respectful of others

Japanese football fans have been caught on camera cleaning up Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium after their side’s momentous 2-1 performance against Germany at the World Cup and the fact that the rest of the world is surprised even shocked) is very telling.

- VICTORIA RICHARDS

Videos on social media showed Japanese fans filling rubbish bags with litter from around their seats after the full-time whistle. The Japan players were also praised for leaving their changing room spotless” after the match. I wasn’t surprised, but I will admit to having some small bias. I lived in Tokyo for two years, some 20 years ago, and the widespread focus on mindfulness by which I don’t mean Insta-inspired yoga chanting, or gong baths; but being mindful of the people around you and your environment) was both obvious and inspiring, even then.

The Japanese were wearing masks long before Covid ever erupted and lockdown rules were enforced: why? Because, as so many of the students I was teaching at the time explained, it’s polite”. It was a shock the first time one of my pupils disappeared beneath the desk to blow their nose; until I realised it was to protect those around them from catching any germs. Plus, I was told, it’s rude” to blow your nose in front of someone.

I travelled every day on Japanese commuter trains to work, which despite being crammed so full of people that it became the norm to see suited salarymen” fast asleep, standing up were always spotless.