Facing a powerhouse like Japan thrice in quick succession is more a boon than a bane for the Malaysian badminton squad.
Last week, Malaysia faced Japan twice in the Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland, and will once again face them in the group stages of the Thomas Cup in Aarhus, Denmark next week.
BAM coaching director, Wong Choong Hann believes facing the Japanese again will inspire the young shuttlers to adopt a winning mentality.
"It doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, I think it's good because when you constantly go up against the best, you train yourself to adopt that winning mentality.
"Yes, it won't be easy, but this is an opportunity to learn from the best. This kind of learning experience does not come by often," said Choong Hann.
At the Sudirman Cup, Japan first defeated Malaysia 4-1 in the group stages, before scoring a 3-1 win in the semi-finals.
But there was plenty of learning experience from both the ties.
In the first tie, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik delivered Malaysia's only point, while the rest fell short against the far superior Japanese.
However, two days later, Malaysia put up a much better fight by taking the game to them.
In fact, in the much anticipated men's single match, world No 8 Lee Zii Jia avenged his earlier loss to world No 1 Kento Momota, by beating the Japanese ace for only the second time in his career, in straight games 22-20, 21-19.
Women's doubles, Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah also gave a much better account of themselves, despite losing in the deciding match.
On whether Malaysia could replicate a podium finish at the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, Choong Hann added: "Of course we want a podium finish, and we will try our best to achieve it again.
"The players have shown great fighting spirit and they know what it means to play the best week in week out. That's how you improve.
"Most of our players from the Sudirman Cup will play in the Thomas and Uber Cups, and we will be joined by a few more in the coming days."
For the Thomas Cup, Malaysia are in Group D with 2014 champions Japan, England and Canada, while the Uber Cup team are also in Group D with 15-time champions China, Denmark and Canada.
Similar to the Sudirman Cup, only the top two teams will qualify for the knockout stage before a fresh draw is conducted.
Meanwhile, defending champions China bagged their record 12th Sudirman Cup title on Sunday when they edged Japan 3-1 in the final at the Energia Areena in Vantaa.
