A strong performance from Japan's forwards, sure tackling across the board and a brace of tries from fullback Rinka Matsuda lifted the Sakura Fifteen to their first win over sixth-ranked Ireland, 29-10, in the second women's international test between the two teams on Saturday.
World No. 13 Japan entered the clash at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground having lost their previous six tests against Ireland, the most recent a 57-22 drubbing a week earlier in the opener of their two-test series.
On a hot and humid evening in the capital, Natasja Behan scored the visitors' opening try in the third minute, only for Japan to pull even on a five-pointer by fly half Ayasa Otsuka.
Amid gritty defending from the hosts, Otsuka converted Matsuda's slick 34th-minute try to send Japan into the changing rooms leading 12-5.
The Japan pack set up Hinano Nagura's 49th-minute try for a 17-5 lead. Matsuda showed off her powerful running once more, shoving aside two tacklers before crossing in the 55th minute.
Replacement forward Sachiko Kato took the ball out of a try-line ruck and bulled over in the 65th minute, with Otsuka adding the extras to complete the scoring.
The series was a tune-up for the World Cup, starting in October in New Zealand.