Land of the rising sun and the Samurai spirit - Japan explodes with World Cup joy

Fans celebrate Japan's win over Spain at a World Cup soccer match, at a bar in Tokyo, Japan, early Friday, Dec. 2 2022. - Kyodo News via AP

TOKYO, Dec 2, 2022 (AFP): As the final whistle blew on Japan's shock victory over Spain, thrilled fans flooded onto Tokyo's Shibuya Scramble crossing to celebrate a win few had dared to dream of.

"Japan, bravo! Japan, bravo!", they cheered after the 2-1 victory, singing the popular "Vamos Nippon" football chant and waving the country's flag.