FC Tokyo forward Kenji Fukuda struck in the 119th minute to help the home team edge the Urawa Reds 1-0 in extra time on Sunday at Tokyo Stadium.
Tokyo midfielder Masashi Miyazawa's free-kick from five meters out of the box hit the left post and Fukuda quickly reacted to the rebound to slot home the winning goal. Tokyo had attacked hard but struggled to break through solid the Urawa defense.
"Our players showed fighting spirit to the end. But the goal went against us," said Urawa boss Hans Ooft whose side has lost its last five games.
The Kashima Antlers remained in third on 23 points despite a 2-1 loss at Shimizu S-Pulse at Nihondaira Stadium.
Shimizu and South Korea forward Ahn Jung Hwan and midfielder Masaaki Sawanobori scored goals for Shimizu.