The Ireland women were edged out 13-12 by Japan in the World Sevens Series qualifier final after a last-gasp penalty from Yume Okuroda, but their qualification to the World Series had already been secured on a day of high drama at Belfield.
Amee-Leigh Crowe's fourth-minute try had Ireland in the ascendancy at half-time, and she crossed again just after the restart to give her side a 12-0 lead.
However the Japanese fought back with tries from Yoko Suzuki and Chiharu Nakamura before Okuroda had the final say with a penalty right at the death.
It was a disappointing end to what had been a great day for the Irish. A brilliant 26-14 victory over South Africa booked their spot in the decider and guaranteed qualification for the World Series.
Tries from Katie Fitzhenry, Lucy Mulhall (2) and Alison Miller powered Ireland past the Boks and into the final against Japan after they beat the Netherlands 10-5.
The hosts overcame China 27-5 in their quarter-final clash. Three second-half tries secured the victory, with Claire Keohane grabbing a brace.
