Pakistan received a drubbing against low-ranked Japan in what was their second loss in as many matches at the four-nation International Festival of Hockey at Melbourne's State Netball and Hockey Centre on Thursday.

The speedy Japanese side dominated the proceedings throughout the game, easily defeating the green shirts 3-1.

Pakistan received their worst-ever defeat in hockey against Australia in their previous match when they lost 1-9 to the hosts.

All four goals in today's match came through open play, with Pakistan scoring their goal in the last minute of the game, a press release by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) informed.

Pakistan play their next match against New Zealand on Saturday. In the day's other match, hosts Australia defeated New Zealand 4-1.

Scorers:

Japan: Kenty Tanaka (14' & 46') and Genki Matani (50');

Pakistan: Atiq Arshad (60').