Vissel Kobe came from behind twice to win 3-2 at Kashima Antlers and move top of the J.League.
The Antlers led the standings two weeks ago but had only themselves to blame after suffering a second successive defeat.
Yasushi Endo put the hosts in front after just seven minutes and, although Jung Woo-Young replied for Vissel Kobe, Davi restored Kashima s advantage early in the second half.
Vissel dug deep, however, and Marquinhos grabbed his fourth goal in as many league matches before Keijiro Ogawa popped up to secure a fourth straight victory.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima had topped the table heading into the weekend, but now sit second on goal difference following a 0-0 draw at Albirex Niigata.
At the other end of the table, Tokushima Vortis dreadful form continued.
The rock-bottom outfit were promoted from the second-tier last season but have not adapted to life in the top flight, losing their first eight matches and conceding 26 goals in the process.
Their latest game saw Shimizu S-Pulse cruise to a 4-0 win, with Slovenia striker Milivoje Novakovic scoring twice in the first half at Naruto Athletic Stadium.
Nagoya Grampus are another team in freefall, with a 2-0 loss at Ventforet Kofu representing their fourth defeat on the trot.
The 2010 J.League champions were beaten by goals from Sho Sasaki and Katsuya Ishihara.
Urawa Red Diamonds enjoyed a better result as a second-half strike from Tomoya Ugajin earned a 1-0 success against Kawasaki Frontale. Urawa have now won three games in a row.
Second-bottom Vegalta Sendai returned to losing ways, after last week s triumph over Yokohama F. Marinos in Susumu Watanabe s first game in charge, with a 3-0 home reverse against Sagan Tosu.
Gamba Osaka edged Omiya Ardija 2-1, while Tokyo toppled Cerezo Osaka 2-0 and there was a goalless draw between Kashiwa Reysol and Yokhohama.
