The resurgent Kashima Antlers dealt Sanfrecce Hiroshima their first defeat of the J. League second stage with a 1-0 victory on Wednesday.
Hiroshima had won its first five games of the stage but that run came to an end at Edion Stadium, where defender Shuto Yamamoto scored the lone goal midway through the first half.
Kashima has now won all three games under new manager Masatada Ishii, who replaced Toninho Cerezo last month, and moved within two points of leader Sanfrecce.