Former world champions Japan twice let their lead slip and drew 2-2 away to Germany on Tuesday in a warm-up for June's Women's World Cup.

Goals from Yui Hasegawa and Kumi Yokoyama gave 2011 champions Japan leads in both halves at Benteler Arena but Alexandra Popp and Svenja Huth denied Asako Takakura's side a win ahead of the World Cup squad announcement expected to be made next month.

Nadeshiko Japan, who will face Argentina in their opening match of the World Cup on June 10, went ahead first when Hasegawa lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper in the 35th minute, but captain Popp headed Germany level in the 53rd minute.

(Kumi Yokoyama (20) celebrates with her teammates after putting Japan 2-1 ahead)

Yokoyama then put the visitors back in front in the 69th minute, only to have the effort erased by a Huth close-range header three minutes later.

"They tried to maintain the pace of their game," Asakura said of Japan.

"Quick decision making, accuracy, predicting plays, these are skills we need to sharpen. If the players step up their game during the World Cup, it's not like we have zero chance (of winning the title)," she said.