Shunsuke Nakamura given dose of reality as Yokohama flop

New Yokohama signing Shunsuke Nakamura got a sharp reality check when he watched his F-Marinos lose 1-0 at FC Tokyo in their J-League opener on Saturday.

After facing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid with Espanyol, Nakamura looked on as his new team mates slumped to distinctly ordinary opponents in cold and rainy Tokyo.

Japan striker Sota Hitayama's injury-time winner gave FC Tokyo the points.

Nakamura, who rejoined Yokohama last month, is expected to make his first appearance for his boyhood club since leaving for Italy's Reggina in 2002 at home to Shonan Bellmare next week.

Meanwhile, Japan team mate Junichi Inamoto's return from Europe ended on a happy note as his Kawasaki Frontale side beat Albirex Niigata 2-1 at home.

Inamoto, making his first J-League appearance in almost nine years, won possession before setting up Kawasaki''s second goal in a free-flowing match.

Champions Kashima Antlers began their quest for a fourth successive J-League title with a 2-0 home victory over Urawa Reds.