Substitute Tadanari Lee headed an extra-time winner as Urawa Reds edged Kashiwa Reysol 1-0 on Tuesday to advance to the Emperor's Cup final.
On target in the previous two rounds, Lee struck in the 117th minute of a tightly contested match to set Reds up with a meeting on Friday against holders Gamba Osaka.
"This is the greatest feeling," said Lee. "I was watching from the bench telling my chance to come and telling myself I was going be the hero.