Yesterday, Thailand leapt to a 12-1 lead before letting their foot off the accelerator to win the first game 25-15. Japan then fought back aggressively, but the hosts drew on the energy of a large cheering crowd at Chatchai Hall to edge the second game 25-23.
One of the world's best attackers, Saori Kimura - who led Japan to the 2007 Asian crown - then hit back, helping the visitors win the third game 25-23.
A resurgent Japan then went 16-11 up in the fourth game before Thailand wrestled back the momentum to triumph by two points for the match win, 25-15 25-23 23-25 30-28.