Sanfrecce Hiroshima picked up their fifth straight win with a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale on Wednesday to move one point off the top of the J. League table.
Sanfrecce, champions in 2012 and '13, went in front in the third minute through Brazilian striker Douglas then shut up shop for the remaining 87 to leave Todoroki Stadium with all three points.
Urawa Reds held onto first place despite not playing because of Asian Champions League commitments, but Sanfrecce climbed into third behind them and FC Tokyo, who beat Vegalta Sendai 3-2 to move into second on goal difference.