In June 2026, the quadrennial football spectacle, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will kick off, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Japanese national team for this tournament is being hailed as the "strongest ever," and expectations are high for them to reach the quarterfinals or beyond.

In their opening group stage match on the 15th, they faced the Netherlands, a strong team ranked 8th in the world. Despite conceding the first goal, they showed resilience by equalizing twice and secured a valuable point.

While the match against the Netherlands kicked off in the early morning Japan time, the second match against Tunisia kicked off at 1 PM on the 21st. Because the timing was more convenient for fans, live viewings were held at large commercial facilities, live music venues, and sports bars in Shibuya, attracting large crowds of supporters.

This time, we'll report on the live viewing of the match against Tunisia, a crucial game in their quest to advance to the final round.

Sending support from Shibuya Hikarie to Mexico

The rain from the previous day had stopped, and supporters wearing Japan national team uniforms and scarves began gathering around Shibuya Station hours before kickoff. The match against Tunisia, which kicked off at 1 PM on Sunday, was the perfect time for Japanese fans to watch. Official live viewings were also held at multiple venues around Shibuya Station.

Among the venues, one of the closest to the station was Hikarie Hall on the 9th floor of Shibuya Hikarie.

Live viewing event hosted by Lenovo held at Shibuya Hikarie

In addition to the live viewing venue, there were also attractions such as a penalty shootout game (left) and a Lenovo product experience (right) for visitors to enjoy.

There will also be a corner offering food that you can eat while cheering.

The event, hosted by Lenovo, the official technology partner of the FIFA World Cup, featured not only match viewing on a large screen, but also a hands-on area showcasing the latest AI PCs and a shooting game.

Left: A corner for sending messages of support to the Japanese national team. Right: Support messages written by participants are displayed on a screen.

Approximately 500 people, including soccer fans and families wearing Japan national team uniforms, gathered at the venue. Attendees enjoyed the game and wrote messages of support and encouragement for the Japanese national team at a designated message corner while waiting for kickoff.

As the start of the match approached, the atmosphere in the stadium became more and more heated, and when the footage of the Japanese national team players entering the pitch was shown, a huge cheer and applause erupted.

A goal-scoring frenzy ignites excitement! Expectations rise for a place in the final.

In the 4th minute of the first half, Daichi Kamada scored with a no-look heel kick from a pass by Keito Nakamura, giving Japan an early lead. The crowd erupted in cheers, and many spectators rose to their feet in celebration.

The supporters erupted in excitement after the opening goal was scored early in the first half.

Japan continued to dominate the game, and in the 31st minute of the first half, Ayase Ueda scored a spectacular long-range shot to add another goal. The atmosphere in the stadium reached its peak, with supporters banging their stick balloons together and spontaneously high-fiving each other.

Meanwhile, Tunisia focused on defense while looking for an opportunity to counterattack, but Japan maintained a steady pace throughout the match, allowing the fans in the stadium to watch with peace of mind.

Japan's momentum did not wane in the second half, even as they entered the second half with a two-goal lead. In the 24th minute of the second half, Ito Junya broke through with a dribble after receiving a direct pass from Ueda, and calmly beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation to score the third goal. Then, in the 38th minute, Ueda headed in a cross from Sano Kaishu for the fourth goal, and Japan defeated Tunisia 4-0. The crowd gave a huge round of applause to celebrate Japan's resounding victory.

GAN (Takanori Iwata), who appeared as a guest at the live viewing, commented, "It was fantastic. I think it's fair to say it was a crushing victory. It made me realize once again how strong Japan is." He also recalled the best moment, saying, "Ueda's shot for the second goal was perfect; he swung it with confidence."

GAN (Takanori Iwata) made a guest appearance at the live viewing.

Furthermore, former Japan national team player Yasuhito Endo smiled and said, "It was reassuring to watch. I wish they had scored around six goals though (laughs)." He added, "All the best moments were in every scene. It was such a perfect match that there were hardly any opportunities for the goalkeeper to shine."

Yasuhito Endo made a guest appearance at the live viewing.

This victory increased Japan's points total to four, significantly advancing their chances of reaching the knockout round. Great expectations are now placed on their match against Sweden, which will take place in just four days.

The "festival scene" that has continued since the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

As soon as the final whistle blew, loud applause and cheers erupted from the supporters gathered around Hachiko Square in front of Shibuya Station and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

As the match ended, the supporters cheered and ran into the intersection.

Furthermore, about 10 minutes after the end of the match, people who had been watching the game in large shopping malls and sports bars began to move towards the station. The supporters, who had been scattered in various locations, naturally began to gather at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Each time the traffic light turned green, a scene unfolded of supporters in uniforms raising national flags and chanting "Nippon!" to celebrate the victory of the Japanese national team, sharing in the joy.

Since the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, Shibuya Scramble Crossing has become widely recognized as a place where supporters gather. This festive scene, repeated every time the World Cup is held, has now become one of Shibuya's iconic sights.

Disruptive and disorderly pedestrian traffic, such as crossing diagonally, is prohibited.

On the other hand, police security and traffic control have become more sophisticated year by year. To prevent trouble in the surrounding area and ensure smooth traffic flow, "right-angle traffic" (prohibiting diagonal crossings) and "left-hand traffic (one-way traffic)" within pedestrian crossings were strictly enforced from before the end of the match. Measures were taken to discourage loitering in intersections and to suppress high-fives and hugs between supporters.

Looking at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from above, you can clearly see the traffic restrictions in place.

As supporters began to gather around the scramble crossing, the "DJ Police" also made an appearance. Instead of using a commanding tone, they spoke in a way that was more like talking to young people, urging them to follow traffic rules and working to ensure safety at the scene.

Foreign tourists celebrate the victory of the Japanese national team.

In addition to soccer fans, Shibuya was also filled with many tourists and foreigners. Many were seen celebrating the Japanese national team's victory together and taking commemorative photos, creating a celebratory atmosphere throughout the city.

While there are various opinions on this scene, the fervent enthusiasm of the cheering supporters is becoming a sight unique to the World Cup, which only happens once every four years. The cheers of those hoping for the Japanese national team's success once again echoed loudly through the streets of Shibuya.

Interviews and writing

Editorial Department: Takashi Fujii

Shibuya registrar. In addition to Shibuya of Culture information, seasonal news and topics, it will spell write that feel every day.