The Japanese: Model supporters

15.06.98 18h25 CET

• For their first World Cup match on Sunday 14^th June at the TOULOUSE Stadium against ARGENTINA (Group H), the Japanese were as well-behaved on the pitch as they were in the stands. Having encouraged their team from the first to the last minute, (despite JAPAN's 1-0 defeat), the Nippon supporters even went as far as cleaning the stands where they had been sitting. Armed with plastic bags which had been left at the end of each row, they picked up all the confetti used for the Tifo (organised pre-match entertainment), as well as other rubbish. What's more, the delighted stewards found themselves being thanked and bowed to (in Japanese style) by these perfectly behaved fans.
• The ten thousand or so Japanese who came together in TOULOUSE also proved to be avid souvenir hunters. Great replica shirt collectors, they bought local shops out of both TOULOUSE FC jerseys and …those of TOULOUSE rugby club.