Reds midfielder Hajime Hosogai gave the hosts an early lead in the seventh minute when he rifled home a Kawasaki clearance with his right foot from outside the box.

A minute later, Tatsuya Tanaka added the second when the pacey and hard-working forward played a one-two with Edmilson near the halfway line, advanced up the pitch and blasted the ball into the back of the net from distance.

The visitors tried to hit back and came close with attempts from defender Yusuke Igawa, Brazilian forward Renatinho and strike partner Masaru Kurotsum, the latter hitting the post in the 18th minute from outside the box.

Frontale manager Tsutomu Takahata brought on Kengo Nakamura and Brazilian attacker Vitor Junior at the start of the second period in an attempt to increase their attacking threat.

Frontale had a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit 10 minutes in when they were awarded a penalty by referee Shinji Murakami after North Korea striker Jong Tae-se was brought down by Reds left-back Wilfred Sanou.

However, Reds goalkeeper Norihiro Yamagishi denied Renatinho from the spot.

Reds looked to regain their momentum following their keeper's fine save and threatened the visitors' goal with attempts from Hosogai, Yuki Abe and Tanaka.

Then, in the 72nd minute, Edmilson beat a Kawasaki player on the left and cut into the box before shooting from close range. Frontale goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima blocked the effort but substitute Satoshi Horinouchi was on hand to tap in the rebound.

"It was a tough game as we played against one of the leading teams in the J.League but we showed good attitude, aggressive play and team work to score goals. This is a product of our daily training," said Urawa manager Volker Finke.

Asked about the table, the German manager added: "The important thing is to prepare for our next game and do our daily work.

"That will make our possibility of finishing in a good position at the end of the season better."

Earlier in the day, defending champions Kashima Antlers were held to a 0-0 draw by Sanfrecce Hiroshima at home.

Kashima have now drawn the last two matches, while Hiroshima have not won in three games.

Shinji Kagawa scored twice to give Cerezo Osaka a dramatic 2-1 victory over Shonan Bellmare at home.

Kagawa put the hosts ahead in the 35th minute with a penalty but that was cancelled out by Shonan substitute Yutaka Tahara one minute into stoppage time at the end of the game.

However, Kagawa's right-footed strike dramatically sealed the points four minutes later.