Young guns Kaoru Mitoma and Ao Tanaka delivered a goal in each half Sunday as J. League champion Kawasaki Frontale eased into the Emperor's Cup decider with a 2-0 semifinal win against visiting third-division champion Blaublitz Akita.
Despite dominating every facet, the runaway J1 holders were made to work by Akita, who defended stoutly while looking to turn limited possession into quick counterattacks.
Toru Oniki's men finally broke down the visitors in the 39th minute at Todoroki Stadium, winning possession in attacking territory and setting up Mitoma with a pinpoint passing movement.