From the world’s football fans to you: Japan, Arigatou gozaimasu!

Japan bids the World Cup 2022 farewell after its Round of 16 penalty shootout defeat by Croatia on Monday. However, the team, staff, and its fans left beautiful memories that won millions of hearts across the watching world.

 

 

 

They had hit the headlines after its stunning and surprising 2-1 comeback win against Germany. Japan narrowly lost its second World Cup Group E game to Costa Rica, but then shocked Spain – one of the favorites to win the tournament – with a second 2-1 comeback win.

 

 

After the win over Germany, Japan’s players cleaned up their dressing room, leaving it looking immaculate. A thank you note in Arabic and Japanese was also left on the table, according to Reuters.

 

It was not only the players who made such gestures. There were several videos surfacing on social media where the Japanese fans were seen cleaning up the stadium irrespective if their team won or lost.

 

Though Japanese fans and players looked heartbroken as the thrilling shootout ended their dreams of reaching the quarterfinals, Japanese football manager Hajime Moriyasu showed his gratitude and appreciation for the fans at the Al Janoub Stadium by bowing to them.

 

Pictures of his respectful gesture have gone viral across social media.

 

So we just want to say from the world’s football fans to you: Arigatou gozaimasu!