Yoichiro Kakitani and Masato Kudo both marked their Japan debuts with a goal, but Samurai Blue squandered a two-goal advantage and were held to a 3-3 draw by China in their East Asian Cup opener in South Korea on Sunday night.
Wang Yongpo fired China into an early lead from the penalty spot, but Yuzo Kurihara leveled with a header into the top corner and Kakitani struck just before the hour before setting up Kudo to make it 3-1 at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Wang converted from the spot for a second time, though, and Japan were unable to withstand intense late pressure as Sun Ke struck with three minutes left.