'This is our culture': Japan fans clean up World Cup stadium

ARLINGTON, JUNE 15: By Peter STEBBINGS with Andrew McKIRDY in Tokyo Japan fans left the stands spotless after their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Texas on Sunday, saying it was "Japanese culture" to tidy up after themselves.

Spectators stayed behind after the 2-2 draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags.

It is a habit first learned at primary school and Japan fan Eita Tanaka told AFP that "we have to think about everyone".

"Japanese people think that when we use a certain place, we were told that you have to make that place look tidier when you leave than it was when you arrived," said the 20-year-old, clasping a beer and a couple of cups, and wearing Japan's blue shirt.

"For example, at school in our classrooms we tidy it up after ourselves without our teacher telling us."
Japan are appearing at their eighth straight World Cup and their fans' cleanliness has become their international calling card.

NFL quarterback Jameis Winston could even be seen joining in the clean-up after Sunday's game, wearing a blue Japan shirt with his name on the back.

Japan fan Futo Hagiwara said he was proud that the behaviour of his countrymen had been recognised in a positive light.    �"AFP