Wales fought off a spirited Japan display to secure a 28-21 Nations Championship victory in Cardiff.
Josh Adams added a brace of tries to scores from Archie Griffin and Louis Rees-Zammit as Wales claimed a bonus-point win – their second from four games in the competition.
Sam Costelow kicked three conversions and replacement Dan Edwards one, with Wales relieved to hear the final whistle.
Ben Gunter, Warner Dearns and Kenta Fukuda replied with Japan tries, as Naoto Saito (2) and Shinya Komura added six points with the boot.
Wales had to hold on for only the fourth win in Steve Tandy’s 13 games – two of which have come against Japan.
But the fact New Zealand and Australia are next up for Wales will be of concern to home fans, many of whom chose to stay away with the domestic game in turmoil.