Australia did the damage early to beat Japan 2-1 and notch their first win at the women's Festival of Hockey tournament in Hastings, New Zealand.
Madi Ratcliffe and Jordyn Holzberger both scored in the first quarter on Monday before the Hockeyroos were threatened late by the tournament leaders.
Hazuki Yuda scored from a penalty corner early in the final quarter but they couldn't force another goal.
World No.4 Australia remain unbeaten at the four-nation tournament, having drawn their first games against the United States and New Zealand, both 1-1.
Eleventh-ranked Japan beat both of the other nations 2-1 but found they had less possession and opportunities against the improved Hockeyroos.
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