Kennedy, who had not scored in the J.League since August 22, helped Nagoya to an emphatic win which extends their lead on top of the J.League to seven points.

Shimizu had gone ahead after 47 minutes through Takuma Edamura, but Grampus struck back in style with five second-half goals.

Keiji Tamada hit a hat-trick, while Kennedy added two with goals on 58 and 83 minutes.

The Australian's first came from a powerful header, while his second was a simple right-foot finish.

Kennedy's brace takes his J.League season tally to 13 goals.

For Shimizu, Eddy Bosnar put in a full shift in defence but had a disappointing day.

Elsewhere, Socceroo Matt Spiranovic limped off after 15 minutes as Urawa Reds defeated Albirex Niigata 2-0.

In China's Super League, Joel Griffiths scored for Beijing Guoan as they defeated Shanghai Shenhua 4-1 to move up to fourth.

Griffiths, who put in a full shift in the game, scored the opening goal of the game from close-range after Xu Liang's shot troubled the Shenhua keeper.

Elsewhere, Chris Coyne started but was replaced on 79 minutes as Liaoning Whowin lost 3-1 to Tianjin Teda, while on Friday, Adam Griffiths was absent as Hangzhou Greentown drew 1-1 at Jiangsu Sainty.