Sapporo beat fifth-placed Nagoya Grampus a fortnight ago but had only emerged victorious in one of their past 11 league matches, however, they made it two wins in three courtesy of a 90th-minute own goal.

Sendai had taken a 12th-minute lead through Kodai Watanabe and they seemed destined for all three points but Takuma Hidaka levelled proceedings with little over 10 minutes remaining.

And a 90th-minute own goal snatched victory for the hosts and extended Sendai's winless run to four games.

They also relinquished top spot to Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who defeated Omiya Ardija 2-1 on the road to go two points clear at the top.

Urawa Reds also lost on Saturday, falling to 13th-placed Vissel Kobe 1-0 courtesy of a 23rd-minute penalty from Yoshito Okubo.

The result means third-placed Urawa drop down to fourth after Kashiwa Reysol managed a point against Tokyo.

Brazilian striker Lucas stepped up and converted an 11th-minute penalty for Tokyo before Jorge Wagner hit the back of the net on 67 minutes to ensure the match ended 1-1.

At Nissan Stadium, Yokohama F Marinos prevailed 3-2 against visitors Albirex Niigata courtesy of a second-half brace from Yuji Nakazawa.

Atomu Tanaka ensured Niigata went into the interval 1-0 up through his 18th-minute strike but Nakazawa equalised just after the hour-mark.

Tanaka netted his brace three minutes later to restore his side's lead, however, Marquinhos brought the match level once again.

And Nakazawa clinched maximum points and fifth spot thanks to a goal three minutes from time.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Jubilo Iwata were beaten 2-1 at Kashima Antlers, Sagan Tosu accounted for Kawasaki Frontale 2-1, Gamba Osaka recovered from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Cerezo Osaka and Shimizu S-Pulse upstaged Nagoya Grampus 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.