Brazilian midfielder Danilo set the Antlers on their way at Kashima Soccer Stadium after just five minutes before compatriot Marquinhos doubled the advantage midway through the first half.

Second-half substitute Yuya Osako put the result beyond doubt with 12 minutes remaining before FC Tokyo's Brazilian frontman Cabore grabbed a 86th-minute consolation.

Second-placed Kawasaki Frontale kept the Antlers' lead at eight points as Hiroyuki Taniguchi and Yusuke Tasaka scored in the first half to secure a 2-0 win over Montedio Yamagata.

Finally, Brazilian midfielder Magnum scored in the last minute as Nagoya Grampus scored three times in the last 18 minutes to edge out Gamba Osaka 3-2.

Yasuhito Endo and Brazilian striker Luas Severino put the home side into a commanding position as they scored in the first half for Gamba.

Yuki Maki's 72nd-minute goal looked to be just consolation for Nagoya, but after Keiji Tamada equalised 10 minutes later, Magnum completed the quickfire comeback to snatch all three points.