A tireless and spirited Samurai's performance earns them a 2-1 comeback victory against Hansi Flick's 'Die Mannschaft' courtesy of goals from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano in the second half.
The 2014 World champions started the first half in control, and pressurised Japan's backline, but their moves struggled to materialise in the final third, as a result of Japan's well-structured and defiant defence.
Celtic forward Daichi Maeda thought he had given the minnows the lead in the eighth minute, when Ilkay Gundogan lost possession of the ball and Maeda tapped in from Junya Ito's cross. However, it was ruled out for offside, but it was a stern warning to the Germans of the threat Japan held on the counterattack.
The opening goal came through a wreck less decision from 33-year-old goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda. David Raum latched onto a ball in behind, when the goalkeeper lunged into a challenge and then jumped over the Leipzig left-back making contact to give a penalty. It was Ilkay Gundogan who caressed his shot into the left-hand corner of the goal, in what looked like the turning point in the game.
It seemed a straightforward win for the Germans when Kai Havertz tapped in for the second just before half-time, but it was overturned by VAR for offside.
The decisive shift in the match was the tactical change at half-time from Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who introduced Takehiro Tomiyasu and switched to a five-man defence.
Nevertheless, it was the favourites who still commanded control early in the second half, as Jamal Musiala continued to be the catalyst to every attacking threat Germany offered.
The 19-year old's highlight was in the 51 minute, when he tip toed elegantly through the blue wall of defenders, only to lean back at the crucial moment and blaze over high and wide.
Eventually in the 74 minute the Samurai's persistence was rewarded, as Freiburg playmaker Ritsu Doan pounced onto the loose ball from Neuer's save to send his nation into a frenzy and equalise.
As the game neared the end, the Germans became increasingly more volatile and complacent, which encouraged a buoyed Japanese side who were revitalised by the substitute introductions of Takumi Minamino, Takuma Asano and Kaoru Mitoma.
In the 82 minute; Japan took the lead. A dormant German defence switched off to Itakura's long ball which fell to the feet of Takuma Asano who rifled his shot from an acute angel straight into the roof of the net to beat Manuel Neuer at his near post.
The victory means that Germany have lost their first game of the World Cup for the second time running, and they face a big clash against Spain next. While Japan's workhorses face Costa Rica, on a high from this memorable victory.
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