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Costumed Japanese Fans Brighten World Cup Stands

Spirited Japanese fans donned bold costumes for their team before the World Cup match between Ivory Coast and Japan in Recife, Brazil.
Japanese supporters react before the start of the group C World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, on June 14.
Japanese supporters react before the start of the group C World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, on June 14.Shuji Kajiyama / AP

RECIFE, Brazil — The Japanese always have some of the most spirited — and outlandish — fans at the World Cup.

As Pernambuco Stadium filled up for the Blue Samurai's first match against Ivory Coast, a tiny Japanese girl walked by dressed as an enormous football, cute cuddly toys hanging from her neck and a Dr. Seuss hat perched on her head.

Image: Japanese supporters react before the start of the group C World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil
Japanese supporters react before the start of the group C World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, on June 14.Shuji Kajiyama / AP

Many Japan supporters sported samurai top-knot wigs while wearing the blue jerseys of their favorite players. Others had headbands painted with the Japanese "hinomaru" flag and "VICTORY" written in slashing Japanese characters.

— The Associated Press