Marcus Tulio Tanaka sent national team coach Takeshi Okada a timely reminder of his importance to Japan's World Cup plans by hitting his first goal of the season in Nagoya Grampus' 2-0 win away to Kyoto Sanga on Saturday.

Sorely missed in Japan's 3-0 midweek defeat to Serbia due to suspension, Tulio put Grampus in front with a trademark header early on at Nishikyogoku Stadium and Josh Kennedy added a superb second to complete Nagoya's third 2-0 league win in a row.

"It's nice that we have got a rhythm going and long may it continue," Tulio said. "I couldn't play for Japan in the last game (on Wednesday) so I can only show what I can do for my team. Hopefully I can keep making the fans happy."

Urawa Reds temporarily went top of the table after Yuki Abe scored both goals in a 2-0 win at Albirex Niigata, while there were also victories on the road for Gamba Osaka and Kawasaki Frontale.