The Japanese played without their Europe-based players and were also missing defender Yuji Nakazawa and goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki through injury but had little trouble against their Middle Eastern visitors.

Defender Yuto Nagatomo fired the hosts ahead with his first international goal after only three minutes and striker Keiji Tamada extended the advantage midway through the first half, volleying home a cross by Kengo Nakamura from 16 metres out.

The Japanese domination continued after the break and Vissel Kobe forward Yoshito Okubo delighted the crowd of 25,004 by making it 3-0 in the 62nd minute with a shot that deflected off a Syrian defender and sailed over the head of goalkeeper Mosab Balhous into the net.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada made a number of substitutions as he sized up his squad ahead of their trip to Doha and substitute Shinji Kagawa made an impression in midfield as the home side continued to threaten the Syrian goal.

But the visitors pulled a goal back in the 79th minute when substitute Mohamad Alzino converted from the penalty spot after being pushed over by Kagawa in the box.

The Syrians went close again four minutes from time as midfielder Wael Ayan's shot was deflected wide by a Japanese defender.

"Our players, especially our attackers, showed some of the good points of their game from the beginning of the match. But we gave up the goal on a counter-attack, which we have to review," said Okada.

"Our players did well and fought hard for the victory. However that does not guarantee us anything for our next game with Qatar and we should remember that."

Japan will face Qatar at the Al Sadd Stadium in Doha next Wednesday.