The Japan women's basketball team needs to defeat Canada in its final qualifier to secure a spot in the 12-team tournament at the Paris Games.
France outscored Japan 19-9 in the pivotal fourth quarter, including a 17-2 run that defined the overall play in the final period.
The Akatsuki Five earned their latest continental championship under new coach Toru Onzuka, completing the event with a determined effort against China in the final.