Cleaning Up at the World Cup

Japan's soccer team and its supporters went to rare and extensive clean-up measures over the past couple of weeks at the World Cup.

December 06, 2022

Japan was eliminated from the World Cup in agonizing fashion on Monday — but not without leaving an indelible leadership mark on the tournament.

The “Samurai Blue” and its supporters went to rare and extensive measures over the past couple of weeks to tidy up after themselves in the dressing room and the stands, neatly placing their left-over garbage in bags and making the spaces look more pristine than ever.

There are two key lessons in the gesture — beyond the fact we could all likely do a little more to be organized.

1. Small but consistent acts can forge an indelible legacy

To the Japanese, cleaning up after themselves at the World Cup isn’t a newfound, ostentatious display intended to generate social media buzz. It’s part of a concept called “Atarimae” that essentially boils down to “what’s natural” or “obvious.”

But this steady act garnered widespread attention that ingratiated the team and nation to fans from all over.

Establishing a team tradition or going a little out of our way to create a larger cause doesn’t require a fat checkbook or hours of intense effort. It merely takes commitment to a cause, a level of humility and the discipline to be consistent.

2. How we do anything reflects how we do everything

The simple act of cleaning up after yourself is hardly revolutionary on its own. But it symbolizes the values of respect and gratitude — which outsiders clearly recognized.

As we lead our teams, we’d be wise to remember that how we do anything reflects how we do everything, and outsiders will form their opinions on our culture not simply on our win totals and accomplishments but on our class and professionalism. The little gestures they observe communicate our key values and priorities.  

In the moments after Japan’s loss to Croatia, Coach Hajime Moriyasu consoled his despondent players briefly on the field.

But while the scoreboard said Japan lost, and the record says they were knocked out in the round of 16, fans won’t remember the Samurai Blue for a botched corner kick or misplaced cross.

They’ll celebrate the team for their selflessness, humility and discipline over two special weeks.   

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