The widely shared tradition has become a symbol of Japanese courtesy at international tournaments. The attention also sparked a light-hearted online debate about whether the same enthusiasm for cleaning should extend to household chores.

A viral social media post joked that Japanese men should “clean up at home” as well as at the World Cup, noting OECD data showing women spend 5.5 times longer on unpaid household work.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said the stadium clean-ups were a part of Japanese culture, although some questioned whether they could reduce work for cleaners.

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