While Nagoya Grampus' unblinking march toward the title has deprived the J. League of late drama, it has provided a testament to the quality and efficiency of the newly crowned champions.
Grampus wrapped up their first-ever title with a win over Shonan Bellmare last weekend, in doing so becoming the first team to clinch the trophy with games to spare since the single-league format was introduced in 2005.
For fans accustomed to the excitement of last-minute upsets, Nagoya's generally smooth progress has not been met with universal approval. A series of narrow wins and a solid defensive foundation have done even less to enchant the neutral, but manager Dragan Stojkovic is unlikely to care.