OKAYAMA (Kyodo) -- Fagiano Okayama claimed a historic maiden victory in the J-League first division on Saturday by beating Kyoto Sanga 2-0 at home while defending champions Vissel Kobe were held 0-0 by the visiting Urawa Reds in their season opener.

After finishing fifth in the J2 last term and reaching the top tier via a four-team playoff, Okayama made a dream start to their new chapter after first-half goals from defender Daichi Tagami and forward Takaya Kimura gave them all three points at JFE Harenokuni Stadium.

Having survived a string of corners from Kyoto, an unmarked Tagami volleyed in Hijiri Kato's 23rd-minute corner from the left for his team's historic first goal in the top division.

"The only time to enjoy this historic match is today. We hope to battle through the J1 season gaining momentum from this win," said the 31-year-old, who remarkably also scored V-Varen Nagasaki's first J1 goal back in 2018. "I feel as if I'm born under a lucky star."

Okayama netted again in the 36th minute from a move involving six first-time passes. After winning possession in the opposing half and making quick exchanges, Ataru Esaka's floated ball forward to the right was headed by Takahiro Yanagi back into the middle, where Kimura slotted home through the legs of Kyoto keeper Gakuji Ota.

Okayama's big Brazilian forward Lucao caused Kyoto trouble throughout, while the visitors came close late but fell short as Ryuma Nakano's deflected shot from distance rattled the bar, and Taichi Hara's low drive was saved by Svend Brodersen.

Two-time defending champions Kobe held on for a point against an aggressive Urawa, while Kawasaki Frontale cruised to a 4-0 win over Nagoya Grampus after Japan defender Kota Takai opened the scoring. Shonan Bellmare stunned Kashima Antlers 1-0.

Yokohama F Marinos secured a 1-1 draw with Albirex Niigata, while FC Tokyo won 1-0 against Yokohama FC and Kashiwa Reysol saw off Avispa Fukuoka by the same scoreline, both away from home.