The Kashima Antlers seized the J. League Division One second-stage lead after beating Avispa Fukuoka 4-1 at home on Wednesday night and getting a little help from Jubilo Iwata.
Jubilo, the leader going into Wednesday night's games, lost to Kashiwa Reysol 3-1 at home.
Antlers forward Takayuki Suzuki scored twice while Augusto and Mitsuo Ogasawara each scored once to put their team on top.
Meanwhile, Tokyo Verdy 1969's new signing, former Brazilian international Edmundo, struck in the 82nd minute of his J. League debut to give his team a 3-0 win at Cerezo Osaka.
In Saitama, Brazilian forward Emerson and midfielder Nobuhisa Yamada scored first-half goals as the Urawa Reds edged Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1.