Japan is in fifth place with 32 points heading into the final day of the figure skating team event following the pairs free skate on Sunday afternoon at Gangneung Ice Arena.
Miu Suzaki and Ryuichi Kihara placed fifth in the pairs free skate, the first element in the final round, weakening Japan's chance for a medal.
Canada is in first place (45), ahead of the Olympic Athletes from Russia (39) and the United States (36).