TOYOTA, Japan (Kyodo) -- A Yuya Osako brace was not enough as two-time reigning champions Vissel Kobe were held to a 2-2 draw at Nagoya Grampus on Saturday, leaving them without a win two games into the new J-League first-division campaign.

Promoted Shimizu S-Pulse beat 10-man Albirex Niigata 2-0 at home for their second straight win, helped by Kai Matsuzaki's fine long-range shot that went in off the bar, while Akito Suzuki netted twice as Shonan Bellmare held on for a 2-1 win at Cerezo Osaka to also continue their perfect start.

Kobe almost made a dream start at Toyota Stadium when Osako appeared to have scored within 20 seconds of the kick-off after meeting a right-wing cross, apparently with his shoulder. But the initial decision was overturned for a handball following an on-field review.

The Kobe striker was again denied late in the first half when his overhead attempt was saved.

It was Nagoya that eventually took the lead in the 56th minute when left wing-back Shuhei Tokumoto fired home a free kick from 25 meters out, only for Osako to strike in quick succession.

The former Japan forward leveled in the 70th minute by turning in a flicked corner at the far post and bagged his second five minutes later after skipping past his marker inside the box and sending a low shot that deflected in.

But Nagoya manager Kenta Hasegawa's decision to send on attackers Mateus and Yuya Asano proved crucial as the pair combined to win a penalty. The Brazilian's deep cross from the left found Asano, who was tripped inside the box by Mitsuki Hidaka, and Sho Inagaki converted from the spot with five minutes remaining.

"We found ourselves in a difficult situation, but he turned the game around for us and it was a good performance from him," Kobe manager Takayuki Yoshida said of Osako as they deal with a tight schedule due to their participation in the Asian Champions League Elite.

Machida Zelvia won 1-0 at FC Tokyo, Kashima Antlers cruised to a 4-0 win over Tokyo Verdy and Gamba Osaka claimed a 2-1 victory over Avispa Fukuoka, who alongside Verdy remain the only sides to begin the season with two losses.

Yokohama FC edged fellow promoted side Fagiano Okayama 1-0, while Kashiwa Reysol and Kawasaki Frontale drew 1-1 as did Kyoto Sanga and Urawa Reds.