Brazilian midfielder Fellype Gabriel headed home a Mitsuo Ogasawara corner in the 26th minute for the opener and Kashima took control of the game.

But after the break, Shimizu rallied hard, coming close with attempts from Shinji Okazaki, Shinji Ono, Eddy Bosnar and Frode Johnsen.

The team from Shizuoka levelled in the 59th minute when Norwegian forward Johnsen chipped the ball over advancing goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata.

In the 77th minute, Kashima won a free-kick after Shinzo Koroki was brought down to the ground. Nozawa curled in the dead ball to seal the 14th trophy in club history.

With the success, Kashima qualified for next year's AFC Champions League, along with J.League champions Nagoya Grampus, Gamba Osaka and Cerezo Osaka.

"I'm so happy with this victory," said a jubilant Kashima boss Oswaldo Oliveira.

"I couldn't afford to finish a season without winning any title. So, I'm so please d that we concluded with this title.

"We were able to display our brand of football with aggressive play in defence and attack to take control of the game throughout this tournament. That has made me happy, as well."

Asked about the ACL, the Brazilian boss replied, "It is too soon to talk about the ACL as we just finished the tough and hard season now. I want to savour the joy of our title success now and take a rest for a month before coming back Japan to prepare for the new season."