Japan returned to the second half and defeated Wales 24-19 on Kyoto Island on Saturday, extending the visitor’s record by losing 18 Test matches.
Japan went down 19-7 during the break and then saw two late attempts return to overhaul the deficit.
Both sides scored three tries in a collision littered with errors at Mikuni World Stadium. There they hoped to end the misery of 18 months when Wales last won the match at the 2023 Rugby World Cup against Georgia.
They looked good on the course to break the drought on a break, but fell apart in the second half after Japan gathered for a narrow victory.
Japanese fullback Matsumura Tacro scored in the first half, with his replacement and alternative Haratoa Beilea trying two more times.
Everything was converted by Lee Seung-shin. Lee Seung-shin also kicked a penalty.
Tourist points came in the first half, followed by Ben Thomas and Tom Rogers, with Wales awarding a penalty try. Sam Koslow kicked one conversion.
Welsh Rugby is seeking rebuilding after a plunge to a new low in a 68-14 defeat to England in the final Six Nations game in March, but the losses in Japan take a further blow. They are now ranked 14th in the world.
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