Japan came from behind to defeat Russia in four sets (22-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-17) on the first day of play in the FIVB World Grand Prix Finals at Ariake Colosseum on Wednesday night.
Star Saori Kimura sparked Japan with a team-high 17 points in the victory, while Risa Shinnabe chipped in with 14.
Russia was led by Tatiana Kosheleva's match-high 23 points.