Japan missed out on a record-extending fifth AFC Asian Cup title after going down to Qatar 3-1 in the final at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Almoez Ali (12'), Abdelaziz Hatim (27') and Akram Hassan Afif (83') scored a goal each for Qatar, while Takumi Minamino (69') struck Japan’s only goal.
Afif's late goal came through a controversial penalty after Maya Yoshida was penalised for a handball after checking the Video Assistant Referee.
Match official Ravshan Irmatov had initially allowed play to carry on.
Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu was chasing a record of winning the Asian Cup as both player and coach.
