In the other match to take place in Group D, Japan thrashed Austria 6-1.

The German side earned a narrow 3-2 win at the Hakucho Oji Ice Arena in the Japanese city.

A shoot-out was required to decide the winner of an intriguing contest as the game finished level at 2-2 after regulation time.

Both sides missed their first penalty before Manuela Anwander put the Germans in front.

France’s Soline Fohrer was also unable to convert, leaving Andrea Lanzl with the opportunity to seal victory for Germany and she duly obliged.

“We never gave up and I think today's result shows our character," Germany captain Julia Zorn said.

"This was the first step and we want to keep improving with every game."

The results leave Japan top of the pool in front of Germany, with only the group winner progressing to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in the South Korean city.

France started the brighter of the two teams and went ahead late in the first period when Marion Allemoz was quickest to react at a goalmouth scramble, firing a shot past German goalkeeper Jennifer Harss.

Sophie Kratzer’s backhanded effort from a rebound restored parity in the second period but Lore Baudrit scored four minutes into the third stanza to give France a 2-1 lead.

The French side looked to be heading towards a vital win but Marie Delarbre sent the game into overtime with a late equaliser.

In Group C in Arosa, hosts Switzerland, bronze medallists at Sochi 2014, thrashed Denmark 6-1 at the Sport- und Kongresszentrum.

The Czech Republic also won by five goals as they beat Norway 5-0.

The two teams which win the qualification groups will join the United States, Canada, Finland, Russia, Sweden and hosts South Korea at Pyeongchang 2018.