Captain Aya Miyama converted a first-half penalty that got defending champions' Japan's Women's World Cup campaign off to a winning start against Switzerland on Monday.

The 29th-minute penalty, awarded after Frankfurt midfielder Kozue Ando was fouled inside the box by Swiss goalie Gaelle Thalmann, was the only goal of the night at Vancouver's BC Stadium.

But it was enough to seal all three points for the "Nadeshiko" -- Japan's nickname and a pink flower symbolising grace and beauty.

The tie marked the 200th cap for veteran Homare Sawa and the 150th for Miyama, who also scored her 37th international goal.

Japan next play Cameroon, who top Group C after their 6-0 thrashing of fellow newcomers Ecuador, earlier in Vancouver.

The South Americans and Switzerland will be looking for their first points when they play each other next Friday.