Japan failed to capitalize on its opportunities, falling in three sets to 2012 Olympic volleyball champion Brazil on Thursday at the FIVB Women's World Grand Prix finals.

Japan, which won Olympic bronze last summer in London, was unable to hold on to late leads in each of the first two sets in a 25-21, 25-22, 25-17 defeat as Brazil remained unbeaten at Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center.

"We had our moments in the first set and in the second, but our service game was not up to the task and once we got past 20 points, the Brazilians really showed their strength," Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe said.