Singaporean media outlet Lianhe Zaobao reported on the 24th that "Chinese soccer fans are putting political factors aside and supporting the Japan national team in the World Cup (W Cup)."

The article introduced that Chinese people were seen celebrating Japan's goal rush in a match against Tunisia at a sports bar in Shanghai, and then stated, "Historical animosities remain between Japan and China, and relations between the two countries have remained tense since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office. Nevertheless, there are still Chinese fans who support the Japan national team."

According to the article, Fan (ファン), the organizer of a Japan national team supporter group in Shanghai, told AFP in an interview, "Many of our generation, born in the 1990s, grew up watching Japanese anime. This includes 'Captain Tsubasa'." He also reportedly said, "It is important that we belong to the same Asia. The current Japan national team embodies the honor and pride of Asian soccer."

China made its first appearance in the World Cup finals in 2002 but has failed to qualify for the finals for the subsequent 24 years. Although this World Cup is co-hosted by three countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the number of participating teams has expanded from 32 to 48, China once again failed to secure a spot.

Fu Jinyu (フー・ジンユー), who has covered Japanese soccer for many years and published books, praised, "Japan has built a modern soccer system, from youth development to supporter culture, and the Japan national team currently possesses European-level competitiveness." On the other hand, he pointed out regarding China, "It is still exploring and doesn't know where the right path lies."

Jesper Sun (ジェスパー・サン), a member of Fan's supporter group, also stated, "Chinese soccer is becoming increasingly closed off, losing the openness it once had." When asked if supporting the Japan national team would draw hostility from other Chinese people, Fan said, "There are certainly such people. But I personally don't pay much attention to those voices."

Sun expressed the view that while Japan national team fans in other regions of China might feel uneasy, it would not be a big problem because "Shanghai is relatively open and inclusive."

Fan reportedly said, "Honestly, I think people like us need to step forward, especially when relations between the two countries are more tense like now," adding, "My ultimate ideal and biggest dream is to build a bridge of friendship between the two countries." (Translation/Editing by Kitada)