Nagoya Grampus withstood a wave of late pressure to secure promotion back to the J. League first division at the first time of asking on Sunday thanks to a 0-0 draw at home to Avispa Fukuoka in the playoff final.
Nagoya, which whipped JEF United Chiba 4-2 in last week's semis, finished third in J2 this season, one place above Fukuoka. As a result of their higher finish, Grampus only needed a draw in the final to earn promotion.
"Our defenders showed tremendous focus," said Grampus boss Yahiro Kazama. "I thought if they could keep that up then we would be home and dry.