Japan twice took the lead but failed to deliver a first win for new manager Javier Aguirre in a 2-2 friendly draw with Venezuela on Tuesday night.
Rookie FC Tokyo forward Yoshinori Muto put Japan ahead with his first international goal six minutes after coming on as a halftime substitute, only for Mario Rondon to equalize for Venezuela from the penalty spot seven minutes later.
Debutant Gaku Shibasaki then restored Japan's lead with a stylish volley in the 66th minute, but a rare blunder by goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima allowed Gabriel Cichero to grab a second for the South Americans in front of 64,007 at Nissan Stadium.