The Japanese side delighted the home crowd in Tomakomai, recording their third straight win in Group D by beating Germany 3-1 in a winner-takes-all clash.

Switzerland, Olympic bronze medallists at Sochi 2014, were also competing on home ice and they took full advantage, wrapping up top spot in Group C with a comfortable 4-1 victory over the Czech Republic.

The two sides will join United States, Canada, Finland, Russia, Sweden and hosts South Korea at Pyeongchang 2018.

Moeko Fujimoto's backhanded effort gave Japan an early lead against Germany, who then fell 2-0 behind when Shoko Ono tapped home a rebound from close range.

Tanja Eisenschmid halved the deficit late in the second period with a rasping drive which flew high into the net.

Germany then pressed forward in search of an equaliser but it proved elusive, with Hanae Kubo wrapping up the win for Japan in the third to ensure they will compete at Pyeongchang 2018.

"Kubo came through like she has all tournament,” said Japan coach Takeshi Yamanaka. 

“She just knows how to score in important situations and played a huge role for us."

Switzerland followed Japan in booking a place in the ice hockey tournament at the 2018 Games as Alina Muller and Lara Stalder each scored twice to guide their nation to a comfortable triumph.

The Czechs had started the brighter at the Kongresszentrum in Arosa as Aneta Ledlova scored the opening goal late in the first period.

It proved to be a fleeting moment of success for the Czechs, who were outclassed for the remainder of the game as Switzerland breezed to victory.