Japan will kick off its final-round qualifying campaign for the 2006 World Cup at home to North Korea on Feb. 9 next year following the draw held here on Thursday.
The Asian Champion will also face Bahrain and Iran in a tough Group B of the eight-team final round for a place at the 2006 finals in Germany.
South Korea, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were drawn together in Group A.
After their opener against the North Koreans, Japan faces Iran away on March 25 and plays Bahrain at home five days later.