Kashima Antlers maintained their lead at the top of the J. League first division despite being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Oita Trinita on Sunday.
Kashima stayed four points clear at the halfway stage of the season as nearest rival Gamba Osaka missed the chance to close the gap after succumbing to a late equalizer in a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to Shimizu S-Pulse.
Gamba looked to be on course for a dramatic come-from-behind win over Shimizu after two late goals from Araujo had put them 3-2 in front with seconds of second-half stoppage time remaining.
In-form South Korean striker Cho Jae Jin gave S-Pulse the lead for the second time in the 66th minute when he slid home his eighth goal of the season.