Tahara makes his mark.

YOKOHAMA -- As the race for places in Japan's World Cup 22 intensifies week by week, the strikers got down to business in the sixth round of J.League matches last Sunday.

--Kashiwa Reysol's Hideaki Kitajima notched a hat trick in eight minutes against Vissel Kobe.

--Jubilo Iwata's Naohiro Takahara got two beauties against Nagoya Grampus Eight and his strike partner Masashi Nakayama headed the other in a handsome 3-0 win.

--Atsushi Yanagisawa poached two for Kashima Antlers on the big stage of the Tokyo National Stadium to beat Urawa Reds.

--Shoji Jo produced a cool and clinical finish to put the Yokohama F Marinos on their way to a 2-1 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

While all the players listed above are full Japanese internationals, another World Cup wannabe (but, realistically, for 2006 rather than 2002) began his climb up the ladder by notching his first senior goal in his rookie season for the Marinos.

Yutaka Tahara, who turned 19 on Friday, celebrated on Sunday by heading home …