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I don’t think anyone would walk away that easily from the Brazil-Japan match, especially if you’d watched its pace, which was held early at 1AM MYT, 30 June 2026. While Brazilian fans can perhaps be stunned by Brazil’s comeback in the second-half of the spectacle, what’s even more classy and worth applauding is how Japan took the match, as initially, Japan was holding the momentum of the game, despite having less than 40% ball possession, at the start.

While Brazil was rough towards the Japanese team on the pitch, one player from the opposing team made the effort to console Tanaka (after the thrilling match), who unfortunately, made a defensive mistake in the 95th minute because prior to that, Japan had remarkable defence and speed. This act of compassion and understanding is all over the Internet now. This costly slip-up turned Brazil into champs, even when Japan had an outstanding chance at securing at least a second goal, especially because Japan was leading.  If you look beyond the fault, the simple act shows and reminds viewers that you have to look beyond moments during the match, you also have to consider the post-match outcome and atmosphere. In this case, viewers will learn that, at the end of the day, kindness and compassion always rule – regardless of the type of game. Netizens being netizens have responded and discussed this game-changing moment, and will continue to do so, hopefully in context (As an aside, the team Brazil manager had also consoled the Japanese manager).

The Japanese are famous for baseball. But manga artist Yoichi Takahashi’s move in 1981 changed the game when he created Captain Tsubasa, where one of the storylines involved Japan’s victory in the Youth World Championship final against Brazil. Takahashi himself fell in love with football after watching the 1978 World Cup in Argentina on television.

Japan was so close to winning this – in fact, in the last friendly match against Brazil in 2025, Japan had edged Brazil with a 3-2 win. So, for a lot of fans and even non-fans, they would have found out that this World Cup 2026 fixture is going to be one that will have you at the edge of your seat.

While the anime storyline would remain fiction for now, Japan surely gave Brazil a scare… and a good fight that’s rooted in neatness and discipline.

After all, Brazil’s manager did say that Japan isn’t a team that’s to be taken lightly because they’ll play like it’s the final match, they’re willing to do everything to rise to the occasion. Brazil just found their way back into the game, as one previous world cup song says.

Acknowledging the scoreline, Japan bowed out with grace. Remember that Japan will, without fail, bow, as long as there is an appropriate occasion. This match was no exception.

Keep shining, Japan! As this year’s FIFA theme song proves, football is more than a game.

We’ll be waiting for the next Brazil-Japan meet, be it at a friendly or at the World Cup.

Hopefully, one day, Japan’s dream of winning against Brazil in the World Cup will come true.

Captain Tsubasa became the reference point and inspiration of many of the football greats, including Lionel Messi, who had the best birthday present after winning against Austria during the Group J Match.

Brazil is home to about 2.3 million Japanese today, first triggered by those who moved to work in coffee plantations in areas like Sao Paolo. Heavy taxation during the Meiji era also prompted the Japanese to look elsewhere, including Brazil. Today, the Japanese blend traditional Japanese architecture with Brazilian street life and food.  

Brazilians also moved to Japan for a brighter future, starting in the 1980s, given Brazil’s economic and political scene.