Tatsuya Masushima hit the winner for Kashiwa in first-half injury time, which the reigning champions will hope will re-ignite their quest for the title.

Wednesday's victory over fifth-placed Tokyo has put Kashiwa into seventh on 24 points with Vegalta leading the J.League on 31.

Kashiwa's unbeaten run has now stretched to seven matches as they move up the J.League table.

In Wednesday's other match, Nagoya Grampus jumped out to two-goal lead after just 18 minutes before Gamba Osaka fought back for a 2-2 draw.

Kensuke Nagai scored both Nagoya's goals before Gamba hit back in the 25th minute through Sota Nakazawa.

The home crowd had to wait until the 73rd minute for the equalising goal, which came from Takahiro Futagawa.