In a rematch of the 2018 Winter Games semifinal, Eun Jung Kim sealed the victory with a draw in the ninth end.
“I really risked everything in the second run because I wanted not just the medal, I wanted the gold medal,” the Swiss champion said.
The 25-year-old becomes only the second Japanese to medal on both hills at the same Olympics, after Kazuyoshi Funaki in 1998 in Nagano.
Japan finished top of Group B in the preliminary round but couldn't carry the momentum over to the quarterfinals.
Misaki Oshigiri and Momoka Horikawa, Japan’s two skaters in the event, set personal-best times.
Satuski Fujisawa's foursome had its chances but couldn't take advantage.
The Pyeongchang silver medalist could never recover from a sub-par jump on the normal hill.
The popular Japanese ace, who was disqualified for a suit violation that cost her team a medal, issues an emotional apology.
Sara Takanashi was disqualified in the first round in another disappointment for the Japanese ace.
It was Japan’s first gold in the normal hill event since Yukio Kasaya led a podium sweep in Sapporo 50 years ago.
With seven points in Group B, Japan reached the last eight for the first time in four Olympic appearances.
The Japanese ace had an impressive second jump but was overtaken by the remaining jumpers.