See main article: article and 2002 AIG Japan Open Tennis Championships. Monica Seles was the defending champion, but did not compete this year.
Unseeded Jill Craybas won the title by defeating Silvija Talaja 2–6, 6–4, 6–4 in the final. It was the 1st title for Craybas in her singles career.
The first two seeds received a bye into the second round.