SHAH ALAM: Miran Kabe's double strike against the Philippines ensured Japan a 2-1 victory and a successful defence of their Asia 7s title at the EV Arena in Elmina here on Sunday.
Kabe only took five minutes to break down Azkals' defence with a well-taken header.
However, the Philippines drew level through captain, Stephan Schrock in the 35th.
Kabe's second goal in the comeback period confirmed Japan's victory for the second consecutive year.
For Japan coach, Keller Costa, his team entered the pitch well-prepared against an opponent that fielded several former national 11-a-side players in the line-up, including former Sarawak and PJ City midfielder, Mark Hartmann, Schrock as well as former Perak player, Misagh Bahadoran.
"We gave our all too in this final and we showed what 7s football is all about today.
"This win will definitely help to increase the popularity of 7s football in Japan which is gradually making its mark.
"Our 7s players do not earn as much as their 11-a-side counterparts but as long as Japan continue to show good results on the international stage, I'm confident 7s football will grow bigger in Japan," said the Brazilian.
For Schrock, the defeat was hard to swallow, as they came close to taking top honours in what was the Philippines' first ever final in a major football tournament .
"It's a bit painful for us to lose this way but Japan deserved the win. Kudos to them.
"I hope there will be more new players emerging through the system. We need to learn from this defeat and step up a level in the next edition.
"But I can safely say that the Philippines have a better chance of creating an impression in 7s football compared to 11-a-side football," said the midfielder.
ROLL OF HONOUR
Champions: Japan
Runners-up: Philippines
Joint third: Malaysia, Hong Kong
Man of the match (final): Miran Kabe (Jpn)
Most valuable player: Masanori Abe
Best goalkeeper: Masaoki Nakamoto
Champions of Asia 7s Youth Category:
Under-8 - Sime Darby FC (Malaysia)
Under-10 - Jr Azkals (Philippines)
Under-12 - Sime Darby FC (Malaysia)
Under-14 - Guams FC (Malaysia)
Under-16 - STAR Cougars (Malaysia)