Shu Kurata opened his international account with a late header to propel Japan past New Zealand 2-1 in a friendly on Friday.
With three minutes left on the clock, substitute Kurata dove into a ball headed back to him by Hiroki Sakai after a left-wing cross from Takashi Inui.
Yuya Osako gave Japan a 1-0 lead from the spot early in the second half before Chris Wood equalized for the All Whites. It was Japan's first game since wrapping up the World Cup final qualifiers last month.