TOKYO — Japan's men's volleyball team defeated Argentina 3-2 on Saturday at the world Olympic qualifying tournament to secure its first Olympic berth in 16 years.

Japan came from behind to win the match 26-28, 25-13, 25-19, 17-25, 20-18 to improve to 5-1 and book a place in the Beijing Olympics as the top Asian team with one day remaining in the eight-team tournament.

Argentina fell to 4-2 in the tournament, which doubles as the Asian regional Olympic qualifying event.

The last time Japan's men's volleyball team took part in an Olympics was in Barcelona in 1992 when it finished in sixth place.

Takahiro Yamamoto had a game-high 28 points and Yusuke Ishijima and Kota Yamamura added 18 and 14, respectively.