Kashima Antlers reclaimed pole position in the J. League first division with a 1-0 win at home to Vissel Kobe on Wednesday.
Defender Daiki Iwamasa headed Kashima's 1,000th league goal after just two minutes and it proved to be enough to lift Kashima back above Urawa Reds on goal difference after the Reds were held 2-2 away to Shimizu S-Pulse.
"I'd forgotten that it was the 1,000th goal when I put it in but it hit me in the second half and I realized I'd got it. It's great," said Iwamasa.