Japanese fans are known for their impeccable hygiene at soccer tournaments.
Several images and videos from the 2022 World Cup and other occasions show Japanese fans cleaning up trash and leaving the sitting area pristine after matches.
Yet, social media users shared misleading footage refuting the Japanese fans' good behavior.
However, social media users shared misleading footage that refuted the Japanese fans' good behavior.
Japanese Football Fans Attract Admiration
During the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup, Japanese fans have earned praise for staying after matches to help clean the stadiums.
Following the 2022 World Cup match between Japan and Germany, social media users and media outlets shared numerous videos and photos of Japanese fans cleaning up trash from the stadium.
Furthermore, social media users published a video that garnered millions of views.
The reporter asked Japanese fans why they were doing this. One of the fans answered, "Our heart is clean so stands must be clean."
"It is because as kids we are taught it by our parents and through education," another fan said.
Japan Team’s Dressing Room Following Match
FIFA's Twitter account posted a photo of Japan's team changing room at Khalifa International Stadium after their 2022 World Cup opening victory over Germany.
The players’ dressing room looked very tidy and clean following the match.
Misleading Photos and Video After Japan Left the Tournament
Following Japan's loss to Costa Rica, social media users shared photos and a video clip that appeared to contradict the Japanese fans' good behavior and incite outrage.
Following the defeat to Costa Rica, Japan's dressing room
A series of photos circulated that purported to show a litter-strewn room.
The images were distributed with claims that they depicted the Japan team's dressing room following their defeat to Costa Rica.
Misbar discovered that the photo making the rounds was outdated and not from the current World Cup after conducting a reverse image search.
According to the Mirror, the photos showed a locker room after Italy's loss to North Macedonia on March 24, 2022.
Italy Was Eliminated From the World Cup
Italy has received harsh criticism for their failures, and the situation has gotten worse after leaked images showed the team leaving their dressing room in shambles.
According to Football Italia, Italy's defender, Leonardo Bonucci, apologized: "It was a big mistake."
A Misleading Video Shows Japanese Fans Emptying Trash
Another video purportedly showing Japanese football fans laughing and smiling while littering a stadium has gone viral.
The video has been viewed over 8.5 million times.
Misbar’s investigation revealed that the video is digitally altered.
The video has been reversed to make it appear as if the fans were littering the stadium.
The original video was shared on the Al Kass Qatari sports channel's official Twitter account.
The video depicts fans picking up trash following Japan's victory over Germany on November 23.
This video was shot after Japan's 2-1 win over Germany in their opening group match, not after their match against Costa Rica.
Japan Has Qualified for Round 16
Japan defeated Spain 2-1 to advance to the World Cup round of 16.
Japan won Group E, with Spain finishing second on goal difference, relegating Germany despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica on Thursday.
Japan had previously defeated Germany 2-1 at the same venue in its Group E opener.
Japan will face Croatia in the World Cup round of 16 on December 5.
Misbar’s Sources
