Japan Advances to Final Stage of World Cup, Fans Celebrate in Shibuya

The Japan national team drew 1-1 with Sweden in the World Cup on June 26, advancing to the final stage. This result determined that Japan would advance to the next stage in second place in the group league.

What happened?

In Shibuya, Tokyo, fans celebrated Japan's advancement to the next stage. A large crowd gathered in Shibuya's scramble crossing, cheering and chanting for Japan's victory.

What's the background?

On this day, more than 60 police officers were involved in traffic control and guidance, and as in the Tunisia match on the 21st, they created a line on the crosswalk to prohibit diagonal movement. Every time the signal turned green, police officers would rush to the center of the crossing and create a line.

What's the impact?

Soon after the match ended, supporters sang Japan's chants loudly in the center. Some people played drums, waved Japanese flags, and held large homemade flags. Public viewings were also held in various locations, and at the JFA's soccer culture creation base in Tokyo, more than 150 supporters gathered before the match started. Former Japan national team players, such as DF Kazuhiro Toda and FW Toshiya Suzuki, watched the match together.