JOIN USThe three-time Asian champions Japan were seconds away from a shock defeat to a side 75 places below them in FIFA's world rankings when defender Yoshida headed home skipper Makoto Hasebe's cross unmarked at the far post in their opening Group B match at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium.
Jordan, in only their second appearance in the continent's major championship, looked set for a deserved win after taking the lead through Hasan Abdel-Fattah just before half-time.
Abdel-Fattah's shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Yoshida, who thought he had scored after 25 minutes before his effort was ruled out for an infringement.
Japan, aiming for an unprecedented fourth title, settled first and spent most of the opening 45 minutes keeping possession almost at will in Jordan's half.
Daisuke Matsui and Hasebe were at the heart of most of their forward flowing moves but, to their credit, Jordan, with midfielder Baha Abdelrahman working feverishly, also crafted some good chances.