Mina Sato won the silver medal for the second straight year in women's keirin at the track cycling world championships on Sunday.
The 23-year-old, who last year became the first Japanese woman to medal in the event, was beaten again by Lea Sophie Friedrich of Germany although it was a much closer race this time.
"There remains a bit of a gap. I'm filled with frustration but it is also proof that I'm getting stronger," said Sato, who was chasing down her rival until the final curve.
"Last year, she was looking behind her shoulder before the finish line convinced of her win. This year, I managed to put up a good race."
Steffie van der Peet of the Netherlands won bronze.