Masashi Motoyama struck in the 39th minute to give Kashima Antlers a share of the spoils after a 1-1 draw away to Tokyo Verdy in the J. League on Sunday evening.
A fine effort from Tatsuya Yamada put Verdy in front after half an hour at Tokyo's National Stadium before Motoyama leveled as both teams kept their unbeaten records intact after two matches played in the second stage.
Kashima was the more enterprising team after the interval but despite long periods of pressure, Toninho Cerezo's men were unable to find a way past Verdy's stubborn defense.
Kashima has four points following its opening day 1-0 win over Nagoya Grampus Eight, two more than Verdy, which came from two goals down to draw 2-2 away at Yokohama F. Marinos last week.
Sunday's other match between Vegalta Sendai and Vissel Kobe also ended in a 1-1 draw, Brazilian Sidiclei grabbing a 34th-minute equalizer to deny Vegalta Sendai its first league win in 13 matches.