Sendai went into their home encounter against Kawasaki Frontale trailing leaders Hiroshima by a solitary point but moved top with a 2-1 win at Yurtec Stadium.

Kyohei Noborizato struck a 32nd-minute opener for Frontale and went into the break with a 1-0 lead before Naoya Tamura and Ryang Yong-Gi hit back for the hosts.

Sendai now hold a one-point advantage in their quest for the league title following Hiroshima's 1-1 draw at fourth-placed Jubilo Iwata.

At Sapporo Dome, Toshiyuki Takagi and Genki Omae hit the back of the net in a six-minute blitz to guide Shimizu S-Pulse to a 2-0 victory against cellar dwellers Consadole Sapporo.

Sagan Tosu climbed up to fifth thanks to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over a resurgent Gamba Osaka outfit.

Gamba, who have been battling relegation for most of the season, were unbeaten in five straight league fixtures heading into Saturday's match but that run came to an abrupt end at the Best Amenity Stadium.

Elsewhere on Saturday, third-placed Urawa Red Diamonds played out a 1-1 draw with Omiya Ardija, Nagoya Grampus won their second consecutive match after accounting for Kashiwa Reysol 1-0, while Albirex Niigata remain in the drop zone following their 1-0 defeat at home to Cerezo Osaka.

A brace from Brazilian Lucas inspired Tokyo to a 3-1 success against the visiting Yokohama F Marinos and Vissel Kobe were beaten 1-0 on the road by the Kashima Antlers.