Japan may have failed to win their fifth Asian Cup title after they were shocked by Qatar in Thursday’s final. However, the Samurai Blye showed why they are a class apart and an epitome of sporting behaviour.

After the their 3-1 loss, Japan cleaned their dressing room and also left a note that said “Thank You” in English, Arabic and Japanese.

Always the standards for discipline, cleanliness and exemplary behaviour, this is not the first time Japan has exemplified the term “gracious in defeat”.

Japan were eliminated by Belgium in the last 16 of the World Cup 2018 even after they led by two goals. What could have made news as a fairy-tale turned into a heart-break in the dying moments of the game.

The Asian giants later cleaned the dressing room and left a thank you note.

Japan proved that this was not a one-off thing, but a routine. Taking a defeat well and showing the hosts some gratitude is something we can all learn from their lead