The Japanese made it two wins from two in Tomakomai by easing past France 4-1 today.

Only the winners of the round-robin group will book their Olympic place with Germany also adding a second victory today, 4-1 against Austria.

It means whoever wins tomorrow's clash between the two countries will book their place at the Games in South Korea.

Ami Nakamura rifled in Japan's first goal just over two minutes into the contest and Haruka Toko found the top corner to double the advantage in the second period.

Marion Allemoz pulled one back for France who then pressed for equaliser and squandered several good chances.

France's Emmanuelle Passard was then sin-binned for holding and Japan took advantage as Hanae Kubo netted on the powerplay.

Further gloss was added to the score as Rui Ukita poked home a fourth on the rebound.

Germany went in front thanks to Andrea Lanzl's goal but Austria drew level through Esther Kantor.

Tanja Eisenschmid restored the German advantage before the end of the first period, with Daria Gleissner and Kerstin Spielberger then striking in the third after the middle stanza remained goalless.

In the second qualification tournament, taking place in Arosa in Switzerland, there is an identical scenario as the hosts and the Czech Republic recorded their second victories.

The Swiss beat Norway 4-1 while the Czechs edged past Denmark 4-3.

The nations will play tomorrow with an Olympic berth at stake.