Japan coach Takeshi Okada says he is treating Asian Cup qualifier opponents Hong Kong with caution.

The Blue Samurai meet Hong Kong in a 2011 Asian Cup group stage qualifier next Wednesday and Okada knows that the opposition must be respected.

"Hong Kong seems to have changed quite a lot since the new coach took the helm," said Okada.

"They are a side who can hurt you if you take them lightly.

"They have strengthened a lot by adding new players and their defenders have a good resolve to fight hard and keep clean sheets, as they did against DPR Korea.

"But this is an important game in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and we ought to win it by any means."

Japan are currently tied on points with Yemen in second place in Group A, three points behind leaders Bahrain whilst Hong Kong lie on the bottom with no points.