Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said the match against the Blue Samurai - who beat Australia in the final of the 2011 tournament - will be a good test of where his evolving team is at.

"I'm delighted we have been able to secure a match against Japan in November to finalise our preparations for the Asian Cup," Postecoglou said. "Our aim is to become the best football nation in Asia and Japan is one of nations we will have to overcome to achieve that goal.

"Over the last 12 months we have tested ourselves against some of the world's best national teams and this game will allow us to challenge ourselves against a quality side, while also taking on another Asian opponent.

"We have taken steps forward throughout the journey over the last 12 months and this game is a significant step in that process.

"The Asian Cup will be a wonderful football festival in front of our own fans all around Australia and presents everyone involved in Australian football; players, coaches and fans alike, with a unique opportunity as we play for silverware on home soil."

The match continues a flourishing rivalry between the two nations which, until the Joeys beat Japan 4-2 in the AFC U-16 Championship on Wednesday, had seen Australia go winless in 21 matches across all age groups in both men's and women's football.

It's a tighter spread in the senior men's level with Japan winning eight, the Socceroos seven and seven more ending in a draw in the 22 matches between the nations.

The Socceroos start their AFC Asian Cup campaign against Kuwait at AAMI Park on 9 January while Japan's first group stage match is against Palestine on 12 January at Newcastle Stadium.