Brazilian Edmilson moved to the top of the scoring charts with his ninth goal of the season after only three minutes, before Naohiro Takahara doubled the lead two minutes before half-time.

The win leaves them still four points adrift of leaders Kashima Antlers, who have two games in hand.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima remain in fifth despite losing 2-0 to Kyoto Purple Sanga. Yuta Someya opened the scoring after 38 minutes before Hiroki Mizumoto doubled the lead 22 minutes from time.

FC Tokyo remain a point behind in sixth after beating Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1. Yohei Kajiyama put Tokyo ahead after only eight minutes, before Frode Johnsen pulled the visitors level a minute before the hour mark.

But Tokyo regained the lead just four minutes later thanks to a goal from Naohiro Ishikawa.

Kashiwa Reysol picked up just their second win of the season as Tadanari Lee's last-minute winner secured a 3-2 result over Jubilo Iwata.

Minoru Suganuma twice equalised goals from Sho Naruoka and Norihiro Nishi before Lee scored.

Finally goals in each half from Yoshihito Fujita earned Omiya Ardija a 2-0 win over JEF United.