Japan, England draw in thrilling opener
It was the second goal scored off a free kick by Miyama in the game, and matched two impressive individual goals by England's Kelly Smith.
With England trailing 1-0 with 10 minutes left, Smith beat two defenders at the edge of the box to smash a low, hard shot by Japanese goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto.
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Two minutes later she rode off a tackle inside the box, then knocked in the rebound after Fukumoto saved her first shot.
England, which deserved to win after outplaying Japan for most of the game, went behind early in the second half when Miyama dipped a 25-meter (-yard) free kick over the wall into the right corner beyond the reach of Rachel Brown.
Her second goal was from 30 meters (yards).
England dominated most of the second half and created at least half a dozen clear-cut chances, only to be denied by Fukumoto or unlucky finishing.
With defending champion Germany, who demolished Argentina 11-0 on Monday, in the group, both teams were eager for a win to keep up.
In a double header on Friday, England will play Germany and Japan will meet Argentina.
In a tactical first half, England had the best chance when Fukumoto rushed out of her penalty area but was beaten to the ball by Eniola Aluko. The England forward rushed her angled shot from 30 meters (yards), pushing it narrowly wide.
The game was midfield battle, with Smith fighting it out with Japanese stars Homare Sawa, playing in her fourth World Cup, and Tomoe Sakai.
Both teams have poor records against Germany, which is ranked No. 2 in the latest FIFA rankings behind the United States.
England has just one draw in 16 games and Japan has lost all five times it has played against Germany. Argentina is ranked 29th in the world.
The winner of the group will play the second-placed team from Group B, which has the United States, Sweden, North Korea and Nigeria. The second-placed team will play the Group B winner.
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