The Asian nation went through the entire tournament with a 100 per cent record and have now lifted the age group trophy for the first time after previously collecting eight minor medals.

They had to do things the hard way in the final at the Hermanos Carreon Stadium in Aguascalientes, however, eventually coming through 23-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19, 15-12.

Mayu Ishikawa led the scoring charts for the Japanese with 19, landing 11 attacks, five aces and three blocks.

Fatim Yassimina Soraya Kone was the best for the Italians in their losing effort, registering 18 points.

The victory bodes well for Japanese volleyball prior to their home Olympic Games in Tokyo next year.

Both finalists had also negotiated five-set matches in the semi-finals in order to get to the gold medal clash.

In the bronze medal match, Russia defeated Turkey in four sets.

The silver medallists came through 25-22, 26-28, 25-19, 29-27 to condemn the Turkish side to a second fourth-place in a row.