Japan Routs Tunisia 4-0 at the World Cup—and the Rising-Sun Flag Row Reignites

Why This Topic Landed in Japan

A commanding win despite missing several key players cemented a widely shared sense that "this Japan team is the real deal," and pure jubilation dominated. Layered on top was a classic form of online entertainment: ribbing the famously sharp-tongued pundit Sergio Echigo with affectionate "there he goes again" jokes. Then a non-participant—Korean media—criticized a Rising Sun flag in the stands, and that framing was received as "the usual nitpicking," pulling an antagonistic storyline into the conversation that drew even more attention.

Key Reaction Themes

• "They've genuinely gotten strong" — Praise for a squad deep enough to win without its stars.
• Ribbing Sergio Echigo — His cautious take consumed as a fond running joke ("he's doing his job").
• Backlash to the flag criticism — "Korea has nothing to do with the Tunisia match," met with cool dismissal.

What Japanese Netizens Are Saying

The 4-0 rout, the performance, and reactions to Sergio Echigo

A big win with key players absent brought jubilant "they've genuinely gotten strong" reactions, and sharp-tongued Sergio Echigo drew warm "there he goes" ribbing.

Sources: Yahoo! news, Chunichi, 2ch, 4chan

Comments:

• "They've genuinely gotten strong."
• "Now that Ayase Ueda can score, he's got some mental breathing room."
• "Honda's commentary is just the best."
• "Even if Japan loses the next match against Sweden, advancing from the group is now very likely. Conversely, if Sweden loses, elimination comes into view, so they'll probably come at us hard—absorb that momentum, rack up goals on the counter, and even finishing top of the group comes into sight."
• "So strong. The national team's growth is remarkable."
• "Sergio Echigo is doing his job properly again today—fulfilling your role really matters."
• "The day old man Sergio showers Japan with praise is the day he dies."
• "It's the usual template Sergio—'tighten your helmet straps after a victory.'"
• "The ref was awful, but they did great—a truly splendid win 👍"
• "Ayase's fourth goal was incredible—he hung in the air like prime Cristiano Ronaldo."

Backlash to Korean media's criticism over the Rising Sun flag

To Korean media's "shameless" framing, cool dismissal and pushback dominated: "Korea has nothing to do with the Tunisia match."

Sources: Yahoo! news, 2ch

Comments:

• "There's nothing wrong with it at all."
• "Shameless? In what way? 🤔"
• "They lost to Mexico and it stings, so they're at it again, huh."
• "If they brought it up during a match against Korea, maybe—but..."
• "The Rising Sun flag used to be waved all the time. Like with word-policing, it's become a 'you mustn't' atmosphere, so now it's an endangered species."
• "Every Japanese person should bring one and raise it!!!"
• "Korea has nothing to do with the Tunisia match—what are they making a fuss about?"
• "It's none of your concern."
• "Maybe they mistook it for the sun."
• "If you've got complaints, then don't play Stellar Blade, okay?"