Ayumi Morita clinched victory for Japan with a 7-5, 6-2 triumph over Belgium's Tamaryn Hendler in the opening reverse singles match of their Fed Cup World Group playoff on Sunday.
Morita's win at Ariake Colosseum gave the host nation an unassailable 3-0 lead and assured a return to the eight-nation World Group in 2013. Japan last played in the World Group in 2007.
The loss by Hendler means Belgium will play in World Group II next year.
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.