J. League leaders Kashima Antlers let slip a two-goal lead as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Shimizu S-Pulse. Kashima went ahead in the 27th minute through Takuya Nozawa and Brazilian forward Marquinhos added the second shortly before half-time.

But Japan striker Shinji Okazaki pulled one goal back immediately, and Norwegian forward Frode Johnsen struck the equaliser in the 54th minute to make sure S-Pulse remain unbeaten at home this season.

Kashima nevertheless moved further ahead at the top of the standings after second-placed Urawa Red Diamonds lost 1-0 to bottom side Oita Trinita.

Tokyo were the only side other than Oita to pick up all three points as they beat Omiya Ardija 3-1 away from home.

Urawa streak ends
Yuki Fukaya scored the only goal of the game seven minutes from time to end a league-record 14-game losing streak.

Third-placed Albirex Niigata also failed to win after being pegged back to draw 1-1 with Yokohama F Marinos. Kisho Yano put Albirex ahead 25 minutes into the game but Daisuke Sakata pulled the hosts level three minutes after the break.

Continuing the trend, fourth-placed Kawasaki Frontale were also held to a draw by third-bottom Vissel Kobe. Tsuneyasu Miyamoto netted the equaliser in a 2-2 draw 20 minutes from time.

In the night's final game ,Kyoto Purple Sanga salvaged a 1-1 draw against Nagoya Grampus Eight.