J. League second-stage leaders Kashima Antlers overpowered third-division FC Ryukyu 3-1 on Wednesday night to advance to the third round of the Emperor's Cup.

Yuta Toyokawa celebrated his 21st birthday by giving Kashima the lead with a fabulous free kick before Shuto Yamamoto put Antlers in control with the second on 31 minutes. Ryukyu pulled one back through Keita Tanaka, but substitute Taro Sugimoto sealed victory with a late third for the home side.

Kashima, which reached the semifinals of the Nabisco Cup on Sunday, will play J2 side Mito Hollyhock in a local derby the next round.