AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup
The four-time winners will next face India on Tuesday while Lebanon will hope for a rebound against Australia.
Japan’s fast start paved the way for the opener in the third minute when Higuchi recovered her own rebound after rattling the post from inside the box to lay a backheel pass for Maho Kubota to strike home from close range.
Lebanon goalkeeper Marie Joe Chebly then pulled off a string of saves, only for Gia Frangieh to inadvertently put the ball past the custodian in trying to make a headed clearance in the 25th minute.
Chebly came under pressure again two minutes later when she foiled Runa Sumiya’s attempt before spilling Mino Tamamura’s effort into the path of Higuchi, who struck home from close range, with Runa Sumiya finding the net just seconds later with a thumping finish.
Japan’s fluidity was Lebanon's bane as Higuchi extended their advantage in the 34th minute after turning home Sumiya’s cross from close range before Yuzuha Ikeda found the net three minutes later on the follow-up after Chebly parried Kubota’s effort.
Anri Ito then made it 7-0 for Japan with a curling effort from inside the box as Lebanon went into the break with a mountain to climb.
Group B: Japan v Lebanon
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Japan maintained their relentless approach after the break with Mei Hanashiro scoring through curling efforts in the 52nd and 60th minutes.
Higuchi completed her hat-trick in the 64th minute with a long-range strike with Japan then adding to their advantage through efforts from Ito (67th), Arisu Ota (70th) and Nanami Kurita (80th).
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