Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu hopes that his team's performance in the World Cup will motivate other Asian countries. This comes after Chinese football fans were seen celebrating Japan's 4-0 victory over Tunisia.
Japan and China have had a complicated relationship, but some fans in Shanghai put aside their differences to support Japan in this game.
Japan secured their spot in the last 32 after a 1-1 draw with Sweden in Texas and will play Brazil next.
When asked by a reporter if his team's success was for Japan and Asia, Moriyasu said, "We are representing Japan, but we’re proud to be representing Japan towards the world.
"And of course, now we are representing Asia.
"I know that other Asian teams are not as successful. Even if today we couldn’t get the win, I would like us to be able to encourage other Asian teams as well, and we would like to be their hope.
"Also, if we’re having good competitions among Asian teams, that can get the level up."
South Korea is also aiming to reach the next round as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.
Iran and Australia are other AFC teams still in the race.
China, on the other hand, failed to qualify for the World Cup again, having only made it once back in 2002.
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