Japan could not turn their dominance into a goal as they drew 0-0 with Sweden in Group F on Saturday.
It was Sweden who started the match the stronger and Marie Hammarstrom might have added the opener with barely five minutes on the clock, but she fired wide from close range.
Chances remained few and far between in the early stages, but Yuki Ogimi and Shinobu Ohno threatened the Swedish defence with their direct running.
Ogimi twice came close for Japan after 15 minutes, but her two efforts were wide of the target from outside the box.
Sofia Jakobsson came close with an effort for Sweden on the 30-minute mark, but once more her shot drifted past the post.
The best opening of the match came five minutes into the second period when Nahomi Kawasumi struck from close range, but Hedvig Lindahl pushed the ball to safety.
Annica Svensson and Sara Thunebro both had efforts before the hour mark for Sweden, but still the match remained level at 0-0. Lindahl made another smart save to deny Ogni after 70 minutes as Japan continued to look the most likely to open the scoring.
Both sides pushed for the winner in the latter stages, but it ended goalless and with a share of the spoils.
Matt Law
