FC Tokyo made a winning return to the J. League first division with a 1-0 victory over Omiya Ardija as the new season got under way on Saturday.
Tokyo won the second division at the first time of asking last year following a shock relegation in 2010, but Omiya left the capital city side in no doubt that life in the top flight will be a different story after dominating the first half at Nack5 Stadium.
But Brazilian striker Lucas struck in the 61st minute as Tokyo found new life after the break, and Omiya could find no reply as the visitors went on to control the second half and give new manager Ranko Popovic the start to the season he was looking for.