I think Japan have proven themselves to be a solid chance of reaching the Round of 16 in a 32 team world cup, so should be fine to make the knockouts. From there who they draw will be important.Norway or Japan to go very far?
I haven't paid much attention to Norway. Lack of tournament experience would be a big question mark but having topped a Euro WC Group they would be expecting to make the Round of 32 and hopeful of giving the higher ranked teams a strong challenge.