Montenegro midfielder Igor Burzanovic and Australia striker Josh Kennedy scored as Nagoya Grampus beat Jubilo Iwata 2-0. Burzanovic opened the scoring after just 20 seconds in stunning fashion as the former Red Star Belgrade midfielder lobbed Iwata goalkeeper Naoki Hatta from just inside his own half.

South Korea striker Lee Keun-ho and Japan frontman Ryoichi Maeda threatened for Iwata before Daisuke Nasu hit the crossbar for the visitors after 32 minutes. Keiji Tamada came close to doubling Nagoya's lead four minutes after the hour mark, but the Japan striker struck the post.

Marcus Tulio Tanaka and Kennedy then had goals ruled out for offside for Nagoya before the Australia striker sealed the win with two minutes remaining following Mu Kanazaki's fine cross.

"We played well and we definitely deserved to the win," said Kennedy. "Mu gave me a good ball, which made it easy for me to score."

After collecting a second win of the season, Nagoya moved up to fifth place just a point adrift of early pacesetters Shimizu S-Pulse, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kashima Antlers, while winless Iwata remained second from bottom of the early table.

We had a stable defence with good finishing. I'm very satisfied with this win.
Nagoya Grampus coach Dragan Stojkovic

"We started very well after Burzanovic scored the first goal less than 30 seconds into the game," said Nagoya coach Dragan Stojkovic. "We had a stable defence with good finishing. I'm very satisfied with this win."

In Yamagata, Urawa Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Montedio Yamagata. Brazilian striker Edmilson opened the scoring for Urawa after 30 minutes only for Katsuyuki Miyazawa to hit back for winless Montedio two minutes before the hour mark.