The Japanese dropped a set for the first time in the week in their game against China but still ran out as 3-1 winners in Quezon City.

Olympians Kotona Hayashi and Haruyo Shimamura starred as they prevailed 19-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-23.

They also beat Poland, Bulgaria, and Thailand 3-0 helped by the attacking prowess of Sarina Koga who shot to second place in the overall scoring charts with 173 points with only Belgium's Britt Herbots bettering her on 194.

Manami Kojima has also starred for Japan.

The 27-year-old has rescued her country with exceptional defensive displays and she currently sits second for digs with 116, behind Maria Stenzel of Poland on 129.

After a shaky start in week one, the reigning European champions Italy took four wins from four to propel themselves into fourth place in the standings.

After triumphs against Serbia, the Dominican Republic and Germany over the week, Italy completed their schedule in an emphatic way, downing hosts and Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Brazil 25-17, 25-15, 14-25, 25-14 at the Nilson Nelson Gymnasium in the host's capital city of Brasília.

"We did a really good job, I’m really proud of the way we played today," said Italy's Paola Egonu.

"Brazil is an excellent team and they do everything very well.

"Our blocking was really good, but our defence was too.

"I’m really proud of the team and of how we could get out of difficult situations.

"We had some really important victories this week and can’t wait to play in Bulgaria in two weeks."

Olympic champions the United States remain in second place after recording commanding wins against Bulgaria, Poland, and China.

The league continues from June 29 to July 4 where Japan may come unstuck as they face a tough schedule including two games in one day against Serbia and Belgium.