When they did break up the Netherlands' passing, Grenoble midfielder Daisuke Matsui looked bright for Japan - instigating an incisive move that eventually resulted in YutoNagatomo hitting a stinging shot just wide.
Seconds later, referee Hector Baldassi waved away penalty claims as YutoNagatomo went down under a challenge from Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong and the Dutch clung on to achieve maximum points from their opening two fixtures.