The Classic All Blacks edged Japan 15-13 on Saturday as the hosts prepare for next week's Pacific Nations rugby tournament.
Fullback Ben Blair, who currently plays for Cardiff Blues, scored to give the New Zealanders a 7-5 lead at the break.
Doug Howlett ran in a try early in the second half to make it 12-5 before Japan's Hirotoki Onozawa dived over the line to pull Japan within two.
A Blair penalty made it 15-10 before New Zealand-born James Arlidge reduced the deficit again with a penalty.
Japan, coached by former All Black John Kirwan, face Australia A in its opening Pacific Nations match in Fukuoka next weekend.
The Classic All Blacks played Japan twice last summer, beating Kirwan's team by scores of 36-6, 35-26.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.