The former international striker, 40, found the back of the net for the first time since March 2005 to help Yokohama halt an eight-match losing run and subsequently move off the foot of the standings.

Hiroshima started the better of the two sides but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 24th minute when forward Hiroaki Namba latched on to a ball from Kunihiko Takizawa before slotting past goalkeeper Takashi Shimoda.

Kazu then took centre-stage two minutes before the break, collecting a loose ball before rifling home a left-footed shot past Shimoda.

The home side rallied after the break and managed 15 shots on goal, but the visitors held firm to pick up only their second win this season.

"I knew it was in as soon as I'd hit it," said Miura.

"But it was the culmination of the team's efforts and the most important thing is the win. Both forwards scored and we kept a clean sheet so that was good."

Elsewhere, Kashiwa Reysol moved up to second after overcoming 10-man Oita Trinita 2-0 thanks to goals from Brazilian striker Franca and fellow forward Tadanari Lee.

Midfielder Jungo Fujimoto scored twice as Shimizu S-Pulse beat visiting Albirex Niigata 3-1, while Nagoya Grampus Eight ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over hosts Yokohama F. Marinos.

Kashima Antlers overcame the 58th minute dismissal of Go Oiwa to edge out Jubilo Iwata 2-1 at Kashima Soccer Stadium.

FC Tokyo cruised to a 4-1 victory over JEF United Chiba at the Ajinomoto Stadium.

Paolo Wanchope's second goal of the season just after the break put the home side firmly in control after Lucas had opened the scoring, before Brazilian forward Rychely marked his first start of the season with a brace.