Asian powerhouse Japan was outperformed by minor medal rival China and finished fourth after the technical routine in the synchronized swimming team event at the Beijing Olympics on Friday.
Japan, featuring duet bronze-medalists Saho Harada and Emiko Suzuki, suffered from some slight synchronization errors to total 48.167 points at the National Aquatics Center, 0.417 behind the host nation.
Meanwhile, Russia's decade of domination looks set to continue as it took a decisive 0.583 lead over Spain heading into Saturday's free routine with 49.500.
"More than points, it was more important that we performed as a strong unit," said Suzuki of her team's routine.