Jun 29, 2018 (NHK) - Jubilant soccer fans have overrun a famous intersection near Tokyo's Shibuya Station in reaction to Japan's advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup finals in Russia.
The progress to the last 16 prompted supporters wearing the blue uniforms of the national squad to swarm onto the scramble intersection and chant "Japan!"
The Samurai Blue finished second in Group H despite losing to Poland in their match on Thursday.
A fan in his 20s said the players did their best even though Japan lost in its final group-stage match. He added that he hopes the team will advance past the knockout phase.
Tokyo police deployed hundreds of officers to ensure traffic safety in the intersection as they had done for Japan's first and second group-stage matches.
Some of them are fondly known as DJ police for their use of rhythmic tones to urge euphoric fans to observe traffic rules.
But some supporters gave others high-fives on the road even after the crossing signals turned red.
Police say a university student was arrested on suspicion of obstructing officers from carrying out their official duties.
Source: ANNnewsCH
