Even though Japan had already been eliminated from the Paris 2024 tournament before the match, having suffered four straight defeats, including two one-goal losses, they played intensely for the sport in their home water. Japan and Australia face each other frequently, with their matches generally being closely contested, though Australia has had a better record on major stages.

"I'm happy with this win because we had lost four matches. After those four matches, it was difficult to keep motivation and maintain positive vibes,” said Yusuke Inaba, who is leaving Paris as the leading scorer of the group stage, after the match.

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“This was really hard, but finally we won. By one goal, but we won. I am so happy. We couldn't advance to the tournament's final stage, but this victory is a really, really big achievement for us because we have never won against Australia at the Olympic Games. This is a significant step for our improvement and development."

Japan made a dramatic return to the Olympic water polo stage at the Rio 2016 Games after a 32-year absence following their participation in the Los Angeles 1984 Games. Their journey continued with a notable victory at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where they clinched their first Olympic win in 36 years. Although Kazakhstan had dominated Asian water polo during this period, no Asian country had ever won an Olympic medal in the sport. Last year, Japan won the Asian Games title for the first time in 53 years, securing their spot at the Paris 2024 Games.

The Japanese team showcased remarkable resilience in Paris, having faced two closely contested one-point matches earlier in the tournament against defending champions Serbia and host country France. Their hard-fought victories underscored their development and commitment to the sport. Leading the charge was Yusuke Inaba, who topped the scoring rankings with 21 points in the preliminary round.

Japan’s progress in water polo is noteworthy, especially considering that no Asian country has yet secured an Olympic medal in the sport. To bolster their efforts and generate excitement, Japan enlisted the help of renowned rock musician Koji Kikkawa. This is a bit different from the role Flavor Flav plays for the US water polo team. Kikkawa, once a top water polo prospect in the U-18 category, has now returned to the pool deck as a water polo committee member of the Japan Swimming Federation. His involvement in the send-off match before Paris, where he directed a squad of world-class players including the legendary Olympian Niccolò Figari (ITA), Valentino Gallo (ITA), and Nikša Dobud (CRO), added a unique and memorable dimension to their campaign.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of Japan’s team was the participation of 17-year-old Kai Inoue, born in Los Angeles. Inoue's Olympic debut highlighted the rising talent within the team and underscored the growing international influence on the sport.

Inoue commented after Japan's final match at Paris 2024, "I'm feeling great. I only played the last 30 seconds or so, but the atmosphere is awesome. It’s also our last day with this team here at Paris 2024. With so many mentors and veterans on this team, especially Katsu (Tanamura) and Keigo Okawa, who is 17 years older than me, they really supported me. It’s been a hell of a ride. We couldn’t advance to the final stages, but for me, it’s been a great experience to be part of at 17. I want to bring this experience to the next Olympics in LA, where I was born. It’s very exciting."

Japan’s achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics not only reflect their significant progress but also aim to boost the sport’s profile and popularity across the country. With their third consecutive Olympic appearance and a remarkable victory over Australia, Japan’s water polo team is set to inspire future generations and elevate the sport on the global stage in the years to come.