Japan 3 New Zealand 0
Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura scored twice to inspire Japan to a highly deserved 3-0 victory over outsiders New Zealand in the opening game of the Confederations Cup in Paris.
Nakamura opened the scoring from close range in the 12th minute of a match the Japanese dominated from the start.
Captain Hidetoshi Nakata slotted his side's second goal after 65 minutes and Nakamura put the issue beyond doubt when he headed home a cross by midfielder Nobuhisa Yamada 15 minutes from time.
New Zealand are still without a win in the eight-nation tournament.
In their previous appearance in 1999 the All Whites completed their campaign with three consecutive defeats.
"We could have scored or maybe had two more goals in the dying minutes of the game but I'm happy with the performance of my players tonight," said Japanese coach Zico.
"There was not much pressure and it looked like a training match which is good for the next two games."
New Zealand worked hard in the first half but naive defending led to midfielder Nakamura's first goal.
The Japanese, finalists of the tournament on home soil two years ago, were well organised and New Zealand failed to create a single chance throughout the first half.
Zico's side should have increased their lead before the interval but strikers Yoshito Okubo and Takahara squandered two clear chances.
"The first 45 minutes are a huge disappointment," said New Zealand coach Mike Waitt.
"We were unable to keep and to carry the ball when we had it."
Japan take on title-holders France in St Etienne on Friday, hoping to get revenge for their 1-0 defeat in the 2001 final.