The world champion, seeded third, triumphed 21-16, 21-16 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. 

Awaiting him in tomorrow's final is fifth-seeded Malaysian Lee Chong Wei, who defeated second-seeded Chinese Shi Yuqi 21-19, 21-8 to give himself a shot at retaining his crown. 

“I knew it would be tough," Axelsen said of his match with Son.

"Son Wan Ho is world number one for good reason but I am really happy with my attacking game. 

"There were a few mistakes but I handled the situation well.

"I respect Lee Chong Wei a lot. 

"He has won so many tournaments and I have only beaten him once. 

"Tomorrow will be really tough but I am looking forward to it."

In the women's event, fifth seed Carolina Marin of Spain and sixth seed He Bingjiao of China will meet in the final after both came through their penultimate round encounters.

Olympic champion Marin was awarded a walkover win after opponent Nozomi Okuhara, the reigning world champion from Japan, was forced to withdraw with a knee injury.

Defending champion He, meanwhile, advanced to the final with a 21-14, 25-23 victory over fellow Chinese Chen Yufei.

The women's final is also scheduled to take place tomorrow in the 2020 Olympic host city.