Their "Nadeshiko" nickname comes from a pink frilled carnation symbolizing grace and beauty, but it was power, passion and sharp shooting from a surprise change to the starting lineup that helped put Japan on the brink of world domination on Wednesday night.
Nahomi Kawasumi marked her arrival on the Women's World Cup scene in style with a brace to send Japan into its first ever showcase final after a commanding 3-1 win over a Sweden side that previously had won every match it played at Germany 2011.
Norio Sasaki's team will meet two-time champion the United States in Sunday's showcase match following the Americans' victory over France by the same scoreline in the day's first semifinal.