Why Japanese fans clean up stadiums — and why it sparked debate

Japanese football fans have earned international praise for cleaning stadiums after matches. But the tradition has also sparked criticism in Japan, particularly from women who question why the same enthusiasm for cleaning is not always seen at home. This episode examines where the custom comes from, whether it is genuine or performative and what the debate reveals about unpaid work and gender roles in Japan.Watch the full Japan Today Spotlight series on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyLmgel-5aDxrGswj_8hRRiUwdm5tGGTH