Why This Topic Landed in Japan

Against a backdrop of political and economic gloom, a spirited result against a powerhouse like the Netherlands was received as bright, welcome news that proved Japan's squad has the depth to compete even with regulars missing. On top of that, Keisuke Honda's commentary was so freewheeling that it felt "unthinkable for public broadcasting," and his quips spread faster than the match itself. Add the "meme fuel" of Kamada's dazed equalizer face and a fan banner that looked obscene from certain angles, and you get a celebratory mood that pulled in even non-football fans.

Key Reaction Themes

  • Kamada's equalizer and his "blank stare" — His deflated expression the instant he scored a precious equalizer was memed as a "mascot" and "a pigeon hit by a peashooter," earning him affection.
  • Mania for "Honda-isms" — His blunt NHK commentary ("No. 22 is a weak spot," "No. 11 is so annoying") trended as "Parupunte Honda," with even the rerun becoming a talking point.
  • Off-pitch mishaps and ritual — A supporters' banner that looked obscene from a certain angle, and FIFA's praise for the customary litter-picking, also spread as quintessentially "Japanese" moments.

What Japanese Netizens Are Saying

Kamada's equalizing header and his "blank stare"

His deflated expression the moment he scored mixed praise for the goal itself with laughter at the meme.

View post on X

Source: 2ch

Comments:

  • "The Netherlands must be so pissed getting tied by this guy."
  • "And riots reportedly broke out over there, too."
  • "I love that 'huh~?' face he's making."
  • "He just barely grazed it, huh."
  • "From the Netherlands' side it's like, why is he even standing there?"
  • "Like, 'wait, you're scoring off the top of my head?'"
  • "A face like a pigeon hit by a peashooter."
  • "'Did I do something again?' kind of look."
  • "He's basically a mascot character."
  • "Kamada really is a mysterious guy."
  • "Looking at the trajectory it changed a lot, so without Kamada's head it might have been saved — fine to call it his goal, but if it had missed he'd have been roasted."
  • "'Am I doing something here?' 😯"

Reactions to the draw overall

The result itself — a draw against the Netherlands — drew a mix of expectation, cynicism, and sports indifference.

Comments:

  • "Please keep posting your thoughts on Japan vs Brazil too!!"
  • "It'll just end with the usual result, won't it."
  • "Chunichi (baseball) fan: '1-2, huh? Alright, I'm off to take a bath.'"
  • "Boring, not watching it; nobody's interested in some thugs playing ball."