The result left both sides with 1-1 records as the event moves to Tokyo and resumes play on Friday.
Jordan Larson-Burbach and Kelly Murphy paced the USA with 20 points apiece in the triumph. Kristin Hildebrand added 16, including four blocks. Yuki Ishii was the top scorer for Japan with 19 points. Saori Kimura had 13 in the loss.
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