The  Australian striker scored for Nagoya early in the second-half with a left-foot shot from 10 yards which levelled the game.

Just prior to the break, Takuya Nozawa had put Antlers ahead despite Nagoya dominating first-half possession.

Kashima, J.League champions from the last three seasons, ran away with the game in the second-half despite Kennedy's early equalizer.

Shinzo Koroki restored Kashima's lead on 53 minutes, before further goals from Marquinhos and Masashi Motoyama.

The result moves Kashima up to third, one point behind Nagoya who miss the chance to go level with leaders Shimizu S-Pulse.

In China's Super League, overlooked Aussie striker Joel Griffiths played a full game up front for Beijing Guoan as they drew 0-0 at home with Changsha Ginde. Guoan are third, three points behind leaders Shandong Luneng.

Elsewhere, Chris Coyne was a 90th minute substitute as Liaoning Whowin defeated Hangzhou Lucheng 1-0. Newly promoted Liaoning are now fourth.

In China's League One, Brendon Santalab put in a full shift and scored a goal as Chengdu Blades thrashed Anhui Jiufang 4-0. Chengdu are second, three points behind leaders Hunan Xiangtao.