Josh Kennedy scored his 16th goal of the season on the weekend as Nagoya Grampus went 11 points clear on top of the J-League table.
The Australian international converted a 28th minute penalty to help his side to a narrow 1-0 home win over Cerezo Osaka who dropped to fifth with six games remaining in the season.
Second-placed Kashima Antlers were beaten 2-1 by Albirex Niigata as they lost ground on the tearaway leaders who now have the title at their mercy.
In other J-League matches, Vegalta Sendai had a 1-0 home win over Kyoto Sanga, FC Tokyo won 2-1 at Shimizu S-Pulse, Montedio Yamagata saluted 1-0 at Urawa Reds, Kawasaki Frontale and Jubilo Iwata had a 1-1 draw and Yokoham Marinos defeated Sanfrecce Hiorshima 2-1 at home.
