It was Japan's most significant win ever in a World Cup and a result that resonates in the handball world.
"It's a shock. I think Denmark has looked great so far. But it's a World Cup and anything can happen, it shows that it's important to be switched on in all matches, says the Swedish player Sofia Hvenfelt to SVT Sport.
With 30 seconds left and trailing 25-26, Danish coach Jesper Jensen called a timeout and tried to urge his players on.
With 19 seconds left, Denmark equalized to 26-26 after a breakthrough by Mie Hojlund, but Japan had one last attack and Hikaru Matsumoto scored with three seconds left hanging in the air through a so-called Japanese.
Axnér: "There is a possibility that Denmark will be second"
There was violent Japanese joy, as if they had won the entire tournament, with dancing and hugs while the Danes stared blankly and comforted each other.
Denmark's loss means that they could face Sweden sooner than expected.
"Of course, there is a possibility that Denmark will finish second in that group. But that doesn't change much for us. We are focused on winning these games against Hungary and Montenegro and if we get to meet the group runners-up in that group, I have to assume that there is a better team than them, says the Swedish coach Tomas Axnér.