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.

ATLANTA – A Mexican national faces federal charges after authorities caught him flying an unauthorized drone over Centennial Olympic Park during the FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta, according to a federal criminal complaint. 

Federal agents took 37-year-old Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez into custody on Friday after discovering he was unlawfully present in the United States following two prior deportations. 

What we know:

Federal agents standing near Centennial Olympic Park on Friday spotted Rojas-Martinez operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone, according to the criminal complaint. Rojas-Martinez was standing in a nearby parking area recording video of the FIFA Fan Festival when agents approached him and requested his identification. 

A review of his driver’s license confirmed his identity and led agents to discover his status as a repeat deportee who also holds a prior conviction for cocaine distribution, federal officials said. Rojas-Martinez was formally charged on Monday with operating a drone in a temporary flight restricted zone and illegal reentry by a removed alien. 

What we don’t know:

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact type of drone Rojas-Martinez was operating or what he planned to do with the recorded video footage. It remains unclear how long he had been back in the country following his second deportation or where he obtained the aircraft. 

Authorities have not disclosed whether Rojas-Martinez has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. A trial date has not been set, and the government maintains the burden of proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

By the numbers:

The FBI Atlanta Counter UAV Task Force has seized 21 drones, including the aircraft used by Rojas-Martinez, as part of ongoing airspace protection measures around World Cup events. The enforcement action is tied to Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, transnational criminal organizations and violent crime. 

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg and Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham of FBI Atlanta noted that Ground Intercept Teams will continue monitoring restricted areas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dash A. Cooper is prosecuting the case, which is being jointly investigated by the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.