With a spot at Brazil 2014 coming ever closer into view, Asian champion Japan has arrived here wary but confident ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Oman.
Japan breezed past Oman 3-0 at home in Saitama in June and could have won by a greater margin had it not been for some fine goalkeeping from Wigan Athletic custodian Ali Al Habsi.
Oman, though, is unbeaten at home so far and held Australia to a 0-0 draw here, but CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda says that has provided the Blue Samurai with even more motivation to take three points in its final game of 2012.