Japan lead Canada 2-0 at the interval of their Group F Olympic football in Coventry.
It was Japan who started the match the stronger, with their midfield running causing the Canadians problems in the early stages.
Chances remained few and far between as the half approached its latter stages, but Japan used their technical prowess to dominate large spells of possession.
The opening goal of the opening half came after 33 minutes when Nahomi Kawasumi latched onto a loose ball to strike into the back of the net.
It was 2-0 on the stroke of the interval when Aya Miyama struck from close range.