The Samurai's top Group E after overturning Spain's 1-0 lead at the interval, thanks to a very controversial second goal.
Luis Enrique's team took the lead in the 11-minute courtesy of Alvaro Morata's 30th goal for his country. The Atletico Madrid striker became only the second Spaniard to score in three consecutive World Cup games, when he latched onto Cesar Azpilicueta's cross for a simple header.
The 2010 World Cup champions smothered a struggling Japan in a comfortable first half, where they recorded 82.9% possession at half-time. They looked a meticulous and regimented side, who starved their opposition of the ball and instantly won it back if they lost possession, with their ball recovery 11 seconds to Japan's 38.
Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde looked extremely sharp on his full debut and was rapid down the right flank, where he showed impressive reactions.
However, they became increasingly complacent, and kept offering Japan chances through their own mistakes. The first warning came when Unai Simon was pedantic on the ball and invited the onrushing Daichi Kamada who was unfortunate not to embarrass the Athletic Bilbao keeper.
Hajime Moriyasu transformed his side after the interval, and it was substitute Ritsu Doan who immediately punished Spain's risky playing out from the back. The goalkeeper looped a difficult ball out to Alejandro Balde, who lost possession to Doan, the Freiburg playmaker then cut inside and curled in a shot on his right foot, which deflected in off of Simon.
Spain became a frantic and disjointed wreck following the equaliser, and within two minutes they were behind.
Ritsu Doan drilled a dangerous low cross in behind, which found Mitoma at the back post who kept the ball alive and set up Tanaka for a tap in. Doan's ball looked certain to have fully gone out, but after extensive checks from VAR, the goal was given to send the stadium into pandemonium.
For the remainder of the game, Japan's spirit and bravery from their win against Germany was restored, as they dug in to survive a tidal wave of Spain possession.
Nevertheless, the Spanish looked shell-shocked from Japan's two goals, and had completely lost the rhythm and intent which their play had showcased in the first half.
The closest they came was in the 89 minute, when Marco Asensio almost gave a flashback to his injury time winner at the Toyko Olympics 2021 against Japan. The Real Madrid winger unleashed a swivelling shot which was saved by Gonda in goal and Maya Yoshida crucially intervened the rebound to deny Ferran Torres a volley into the net.
Japan were the first team to beat Spain at a tournament at full-time since Euro 2016 and will be rewarded with the win by facing Croatia in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Spain who secured their place in the knockouts despite defeat, will play Group D winners Morocco.
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