Moeka Minami (R) of Japan competes during the Group C match of Women's Asian Cup between Chinese Taipei and Japan in Perth, Australia, March 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)

SYDNEY, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Japan opened its AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei in Western Australia on Wednesday.

After failing to capitalize on repeated chances to open the scoring in the first hour, Japan got the breakthrough in the 61st minute when midfielder Momoko Tanikawa controlled the ball with her chest in the penalty area before finishing with her right foot.

Forward Kiko Seike sealed the win for the 2014 and 2018 champion in the 92nd minute when she headed a cross from fellow substitute Remina Chiba into the bottom left corner.

Despite conceding twice, Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting made nine saves throughout the match as Japan registered 30 shots.

It was Japan's fourth straight win over Chinese Taipei in the tournament.

In Group C, Japan will play India at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Saturday, while Chinese Taipei will face Vietnam. ■

Wu Kai-ching (C) of Chinese Taipei vies for a header during the Group C match of Women's Asian Cup between Chinese Taipei and Japan in Perth, Australia, March 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)

Maika Hamano of Japan competes during the Group C match of Women's Asian Cup between Chinese Taipei and Japan in Perth, Australia, March 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)

Chen Yu-chin (L) of Chinese Taipei vies for the ball during the Group C match of Women's Asian Cup between Chinese Taipei and Japan in Perth, Australia, March 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)

Kiko Seike (R, Front) scores during the Group C match of Women's Asian Cup between Chinese Taipei and Japan in Perth, Australia, March 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)

Fourth official Dong Fangyu (2nd L) is seen before the Group C match of Women's Asian Cup between Chinese Taipei and Japan in Perth, Australia, March 4, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)