Why This Topic Landed in Japan

Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 in the second group-stage match of the North-and-Central-American World Cup, but the online conversation quickly shifted from the result to how Japan's neighbors reacted. Korean media criticized a Rising Sun flag spotted in the stands as "shameful" and a professor moved to report it to FIFA; Japanese broadcaster TBS then blurred the flag in its footage, drawing accusations of excessive self-censorship. China's state broadcaster CCTV was mocked even inside China for an overtly pro-Tunisia commentary, while Brazilian fans and overseas coaches praised Japan as a respectful "final boss." Long-running flag and history disputes with Korea, distrust of domestic media, and feelings toward China all collided with the euphoria of the win.

Key Reaction Themes

  • Mockery of the neighbors' reactions — "Mind your own country" was the dominant tone toward Korean and Chinese over-reactions.
  • Distrust of domestic media — TBS blurring the flag was framed as "sellout" behavior that drives viewers away from TV.
  • Embracing foreign praise — Brazilian and coach praise was happily consumed as "the dignity of a final boss," tempered by realists saying "we can't beat Brazil."

What Japanese Netizens Are Saying

Korean media's Rising Sun flag criticism and TBS's self-censorship

Korean media branded a Rising Sun flag "shameful" and moved to report it to FIFA; TBS then blurred the flag on air, drawing strong pushback.

Sources: 2ch, Yahoo! news

Comments:

  • "Caught up? Japan has actually advanced past the group stage more times than they have."
  • "If they're still nitpicking the Rising Sun flag in the Reiwa era, no wonder they can't win — this isn't the Showa era anymore."
  • "Clinging to the past — I burst out laughing."
  • "This 'professor' makes his living off of this, after all."
  • "If everyone just waved nothing but Rising Sun flags, problem solved."
  • "What happens if you wave the Asahi Shimbun's corporate flag?"
  • "As long as they keep doing this, people will keep abandoning TV."
  • "Are they going to lose it at the sight of the sun, too? lol"
  • "Classic sellout legacy media."
  • "It's not consideration, it's self-protection."

The former Korea captain (Ki Sung-yueng) slamming the desk

A report that the former Korea captain banged the desk and muttered "it's infuriating" when Japan scored its third goal drew exasperation and derision.

Source: Yahoo! news

Comments:

  • "The whole Rising Sun flag complaint started from this guy's excuses for his monkey-mimic act."
  • "The old J-League had lots of Korean players — are there any now? Did Japanese players get good enough that they're no longer needed?"
  • "It's because of this guy that the Rising Sun flag started getting picked on."
  • "What a pathetic person..."
  • "We don't need topics about Korea."
  • "Who cares. Worry about your own country."
  • "They're not even a match for Japan anymore — shouldn't they be lamenting or criticizing their own team's failures instead?"
  • "This is bad reporting. Stop trying to turn everything into a confrontation."
  • "There's also that style of cheering: 'they've gotten infuriatingly strong, so I hope they lose.'"

CCTV's "pro-Tunisia" commentary

China's state broadcaster CCTV was criticized even within China for openly hyping Tunisia, which — together with Japan's huge viewership numbers there — became a talking point.

Sources: Record China, 2ch, 2ch, 2ch

Comments:

  • "Japan's winning anyway, so who cares?"
  • "Well, Tunisia was a better team than China. I wouldn't even want them to play China in a practice match."
  • "But if they don't broadcast it this way, they'll get punished, so..."
  • "No, they've probably been told not to praise Japan."
  • "They hate Japan but love and admire Japanese soccer. They're weak, but they've got a sharp eye for the game lol"
  • "There are videos all over of Chinese people getting super hyped — lol. Like last time, Chinese people really love Japan's national team."
  • "When it comes to soccer, Chinese people are oddly reasonable."
  • "I've heard that Chinese reporting gets totally twisted when politics is involved, so sports coverage ends up being the honest part."
  • "Chinese soccer fans: 'It's more fun cheering for Japan's team than for China's.'"
  • "The job of praising the Chinese national team sounds rough."

Brazil and overseas "final boss" praise

Brazilian fans and overseas coaches warily praised Japan, calling it a "final boss that respects its opponents," which was warmly received.

Comments:

  • "It's frustrating, but we can't beat Brazil. At least let's make it a good game."
  • "That's the dignity of a final boss who actually shows respect to others."
  • "Well, they're the king of kings, fully qualified to say it, and definitely the final boss."
  • "No need to worry — we'll just run into Brazil and that'll be the end."
  • "Japan's soccer feels like it's going to decline from here on."
  • "Huh? We've got King Kazu over here, you know?"
  • "There's no way a Japan led by Kazu loses."
  • "Kazuyoshi Miura — that is the name of the man who will defeat Brazil."