Goals from attacker Mu Kanazaki and Socceroo Josh Kennedy guided the hosts to the win at Mizuho Athletic Stadium, before Bruno Lopes netted a late consolation for the visitors.

The win lifted Nagoya into fifth with six points from three matches, while Albirex Niigata are without a point.

Kanazaki opened the scoring just after half-time and Nagoya doubled their lead when Australian striker Kennedy headed in his second league goal of the campaign on 67 minutes.

Brazilian Lopes got on the scoresheet in additional time, but his team were forced to leave with nothing to show for their efforts.

Elsewhere, Gamba Osaka slumped to their fifth straight loss in all competitions after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Jubilo Iwata.

Midfielder Shuto Yamamoto gave the visitors a 23rd-minute lead, an advantage they doubled when Ryoichi Maeda converted from the penalty spot on the hour-mark.

Despite Shu Kurata pulling a goal back with a glancing header, Gamba were unable to equalise, putting more pressure on Brazilian manager Jose Carlos Serrao.