Kawasaki Frontale 1, F.C.Tokyo 0

The defending champions left it late, but Leandro Damião delivered them a win to kick off their pursuit for a fifth title in six seasons.

Kyoto Sanga 1, Urawa Reds 0

Peter Utaka scored the lone goal as Sanga made their return to the top flight with a terrific win over a good Urawa side.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0, Sagan Tosu 0

The Sagan defense was predictably excellent and Sanfrecce matched them as the two teams split points to start off 2022.

Shimizu S-Pulse 1, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 1

Lucas Fernandes scored a blinder and Yuito Suzuki got S-Pulse on the board, but Shuichi Gonda was the star as he made a series of saves, including a penalty stop.

Avispa Fukuoka 1, Júbilo Iwata 1

Ryo Germain’s 93rd minute equalizer stole a point for Júbilo as the newly promoted club celebrated their J1 return with a thrilling point.

Yokohama F·Marinos 2, Cerezo Osaka 2

Anderson Lopes shined in his Marinos debut, but Hiroshi Kiyotake’s 90th minute equalizer earned Cerezo an impressive result to start off the campaign.

Gamba Osaka 1, Kashima Antlers 3

Ayase Ueda scored a pair and Ryotaro Araki was sensational as Kashima cruised to a dominant win after a Gamba red card.

Nagoya Grampus 2, Vissel Kobe 0

Nagoya looked excellent in their first match under new manager Kenta Hasegawa, riding a goal from Sho Inagaki and an own goal to a comfortable victory over 10-man Vissel.

Shonan Bellmare 0, Kashiwa Reysol 2

A 34th minute red card doomed Shonan, who battled hard, but eventually succumbed to second half goals by Matheus Sávio and Tomoya Koyamatsu.