Japan have qualified from Group F in second spot despite drawing 0-0 with South Africa.
The first chance of the match came after six minutes, and it fell to Japan in the shape of Karina Maruyama, but she fired wide.
The chances continued to fall for Japan with Kozue Ando twice coming close with efforts from inside the box, but the score remained level.
South Africa were not without their chances, however, and Portia Modise twice tested the palms of Ayumi Kaihori with 25 minutes on the clock.
Japan continued to dominate in the latter stages of the half, and came close through Aya Miyama, but it remained level at the interval.
It was Japan who started the second period the better, and Mana Iwabuchi missed a glorious chance to hand them the lead after 50 minutes.
South Africa's best chance soon followed, but Amanda Dlamini struck wide from close range.
Japan continued to dominate, and they missed three chances in quick succession when Kozue Ando, Megumi Takase and Asune Tanaka all missed the target.
Modise remained South Africa's biggest threat, but her half-chances were wasted in the latter stages of the match.
Matt Law
