In his second game as head coach, Hajime Moriyasu was seen tearing up during the singing of the Japanese national anthem before kick-off. Moriyasu, who took up the helm recently, is known for his emotional connection with the sport. The incident has again sparked discussions around the pride and patriotism in sports within Japan. The timing or location of this event is not disclosed in the headline.
Japanese culture often values expression of genuine emotion in its public figures. Tears during the national anthem can be seen as a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to the team and to the nation. This act might thus resonate with Japanese audiences who are proud of their national soccer team.
In contrast, in the U.S. or EU, tears from a coach may sometimes be seen in a more negative light, suggesting weakness or instability. However, displays of sentiment in response to national anthems are quite common and tend to get positive attention in both the U.S. and EU.