Tunisia came from two sets down for its first taste of victory at the men's World Cup to move into 11th in the 12-nation standings, sending Japan to its fourth straight loss in a five-set thriller on Monday in men's World Cup volleyball.
After dropping the first two sets 25-23, 25-22, Tunisia clawed its way back into contention in the third set, winning 25-22 after Japan substitute server Ryu Morishige failed to check Tunisia's recovery before 9,000 fans at Marine Messe Fukuoka.
Tunisia went on to sweep the final two sets 25-21, 15-10 on the back of a game-high 26 points by Noureddine Hfaiedh.
With a 3-4 record, Japan is now sixth and has almost no chance of finishing in the top three and earning an Olympic berth.
Elsewhere, Serbia and Montenegro and world champion Brazil remained undefeated after seven matches while the United States and Italy stayed in contention with 6-1 records.