Fiji, 19-0 down at half-time to Japan, just fell short 29-24 in the first of two tests
Fijiana 15s faced a narrow 24-29 loss to Japan in their first Test match.
The hosts dominated the first half, scoring three tries and building a 19-0 lead after just 26 minutes.
However, the Fijiana made a comeback in the second half, scoring four tries and two successful conversions.
The first try came just two minutes into the second half. A second try followed just seven minutes later. 19-12.
Japan slowed the Fijian comeback with a fourth try after 55m, before Fiji scored their third try on the hour. 24-19
A fifth try for Japan came after 73m, before Fiji added their fourth score from the final play.
Teresia Tinanivalu, Evivi Senikarivi, Adita Miliana, and Mere Naivosa were the try-scorers for Fiji.