The Japanese national team on Thursday won the bragging rights over fellow Asian football powerhouse, South Korea, after a 3-0 friendly win.
Both rivals who co-hosted the 2002 World Cup met for their first football friendly in 10 years at the Nissan Stadium.
The Samurai Blue were handed a two-goal lead in the space of 10 minutes in front of the 8,300 fans at the stadium.
A debut national goal for Kawasaki Frontale’s right-back Miki Yamane gave Japan the lead in the 17th minute.
Daichi Kamada put the Japs in the driver’s seat after they doubled their lead 10 minutes later.
The Reds who were without star striker, Son Heung-Min, ended the first half 2-0 and failed to get back into the game in the second.
Japan were clearly on the cruise and Wataru Endo added icing to the cake in the 83rd to give the Samurai Blue a comfortable 3-0 victory over their rivals.
The win would serve as a boost for Japan’s ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign against Mongolia on Tuesday.
