Fans of Japan’s national team have captured and warmed hearts, though it had nothing to do with the match against the Netherlands and everything to do with what happened when it was over.   

When the Japan vs. Netherlands FIFA World Cup match ended, many fans headed for the exits, but Japanese fans reached for trash bags instead.

Viral cleanup effort captures global attention

The now viral photos show hundreds of Japanese fans cleaning up their section of Dallas Stadium. Trash bags in hand, they picked up cups, wrappers and anything left behind.

The Japanese men’s team even left their locker room spotless. No one asked them to do it.

“It’s kind of a habit or natural, I guess,” said Nina Shimaguchi, with the Japan American Society of Dallas-Fort Worth. 

Shimaguchi wasn’t surprised. The value of cleaning up is a sign of respect and the habit starts young.

“The Japanese education system, we don’t have custodians from elementary to high school, so we have to take care of hallways, restrooms,” she said. 

But for many, it goes beyond being tidy. Shimaguchi says it’s tied to what’s called “Shintoism” and the belief that everyday things carry meaning.

“Shintoism is rooted in Japan, where we think all natural items have a spirit, like a tree, stones,” Shimaguchi said. “Which go into all our daily items as well … There is a saying that one rice grain has seven spirits in it…”

Outside Dallas Stadium, thousands of Dutch fans added to the World Cup energy, chanting and celebrating long after the final whistle.

Team Japan leaves lasting impression on and off the field

But in the silence, a simple act of cleaning up is sparking millions of views and a bigger conversation about culture, curiosity and kindness.

“Through the game, probably many people see, ‘Oh that’s the culture,’” said Shimaguchi. “And that’s the next step of people trying to learn, trying to know…That kind of positivity remains.”

Kindness above all else.

Team Japan plays a game this Saturday in Mexico and then returns to Dallas Stadium in 10 days to play against Sweden. And if history is any indication, they’ll do what they did before: leave the stadium spotless. Maybe even inspiring a few others to do the same.

Each and every game is important in the NFL, but there are certain ones that probably carry more weight than others for the Dallas Cowboys. With one of the toughest schedules in the league, this is something the Cowboys need to take to heart this year. One single loss could be the difference between making the playoffs or not.

With that in mind, we decided to identify what we believe to be the five toughest games on Dallas’ schedule this year, excluding NFC East division rivals. Each one of these teams are playoff contenders, and as such, should be tough matchups for the Cowboys with playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

Week 5 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After an international game in Rio de Janeiro against the Ravens followed by a road game against the Texans, the Buccaneers will come to Dallas. Due to all of the traveling in back-to-back weeks, anyway you look at it, this is a tough matchup against a talented team. Hopefully playing at AT&T Stadium for only the second time on the year will invigorate them and result in a victory. Otherwise, a loss could affect their postseason hopes as well as their seeding in the playoffs.

Week 6 @ Green Bay Packers

After facing the Buccaneers, the Cowboys get a 10-day reprieve before they hit the road again to take on the Packers. The matchup between these two teams last season ended in a 40-40 tie in overtime and is expected to be a close game once again. Green Bay always plays the Cowboys tough regardless of what’s on the line, but considering this could be Micah Parsons’ first game back this year there could be added incentive to win. Again, this is yet another important game for Dallas as far as how it impacts the postseason.

Week 10 vs. San Francisco 49ers

Ever since Kyle Shanahan started running things, the 49ers seem to have the Cowboys number. These two teams could potentially meet up in the playoffs if things play out right, making this a preview of a possible future. It also features two players who swapped teams via trade this offseason, Osa Odighizuwa and Dee Winters. This adds even more intrigue to an important matchup in the NFC. Hopefully the Cowboys can take advantage of home field advantage. A win here could cement them as serious contenders.

Week 13 @ Seattle Seahawks

Playing the defending Super Bowl champions in the tough environment at Lumen Field could possibly be considered the toughest game on the Cowboys schedule this season. While the Seahawks have lost some key players both offensively and defensively this offseason, they are still considered one of the top teams in the league this year. This will be a grueling matchup for the Cowboys considering the the top teams they face previously up to this point, but hopefully they can tough it out before heading into their bye week.

Week 15 @ Los Angeles Rams

After trading for Myles Garrett and the potential return of Aaron Donald from retirement, the Rams are one of the heavy Super Bowl favorites right now. This is a team who invested heavily on the defensive side of the ball and has enough talent on offense to stand toe to toe with Dak Prescott and Company. Dallas will be coming off their bye week hopefully rested and recuperated, but for the second game in a row will be attempting to pull off a victory on the road in hostile territory. At this point the season, this came could have huge playoff implications.