Brazilian Bare and strike partner Ryuji Bando both scored twice as Gamba Osaka got its faltering title bid back on track in emphatic fashion with a 5-1 demolition of Kashima Antlers on Wednesday night.
Gamba's first win in four matches kept it in touch with reigning champions Urawa Reds, who preserved their four-point cushion at the top of the table with a 2-1 win away to Vissel Kobe.
With 11 games of the season remaining, Urawa leads the standings with 52 points, with Gamba following on 48 and Kashima another six points back in third spot.
Bare set Gamba on its way after 12 minutes at Expo Stadium when he took advantage of slack marking to head home Takahiro Futagawa's left-wing cross.