Japan captain Saori Kimura scored 10 points from 14 attempts attacking as well as two on blocking, leading Japan to a 25-15, 25-20, 25-12 victory over Kenya on Wednesday in fourth-day action at the Women's World Cup at National Yoyogi First Gymnasium.
Japan improved 4-1 while the African champion Kenya has yet to win in the 12-nation tournament.
Japan used strong serves to force Kenya to make receiving errors, keeping the Africans from establishing an offensive rhythm. Kenya has powerful hitters in Mercy Moim and Everlyne Makuto, who combined for 18 points on spikes, but failed to take full advantage of them.