Hisato Sato has moved into top spot. Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

TOKYO -- Hisato Sato scored his 158th career goal on Sunday to become the all-time leading scorer in the J-League and help Sanfrecce Hiroshima to a 1-1 draw with Nagoya Grampus.

After Robin Simovic scored in the 17th minute for Nagoya, Sato, 33, netted a 43rd-minute equaliser to move ahead of former Jubilo Iwata striker Masashi Nakayama and Kawasaki Frontale's Yoshito Okubo, who scored his 157th goal on Saturday.

Sato's goal came when a shot from Kosei Shibasaki deflected off his leg into the net.

"I was hoping that my 158th goal could have been a bit prettier," Sato said. "Hopefully the next one will lead to a win."

Sato helped Hiroshima win three league titles in the last four seasons and was the J-League Player of the Year in 2012.