Third-placed Gamba Osaka thrashed Vegalta Sendai 3-0 on Sunday to close the gap on the first-division leaders in the J. League first stage.
Gamba took the lead on the half hour through an own goal and Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho doubled the advantage on the stroke of half time. League-leading scorer Magrao headed in a third 10 minutes from time to finish the game off.
With four games remaining, Gamba moved to within two points of second-placed Jubilo Iwata on 24 points. Yokohama F Marinos, who beat Kashiwa Reysol 3-2 in extra time on Saturday, top the standings with 28 points.
In Sunday's other game, FC Tokyo climbed to eighth after beating bottom-placed Consadole Sapporo 3-1 at the National Stadium.