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J1 League

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Association football league in Japan
This article'slead sectionmay be too short to adequatelysummarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead toprovide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article.(May 2024)
Football league
J1 League
Organising bodyJ.League
Founded1992; 33 years ago (1992)
CountryJapan
ConfederationAFC
Number of clubs20
Level on pyramid1
Relegation toJ2 League
Domestic cup(s)Emperor's Cup
Japanese Super Cup
League cup(s)J.League Cup
International cup(s)AFC Champions League Elite
AFC Champions League Two
Current championsVissel Kobe (2nd title)
(2024)
Most championshipsKashima Antlers (8 titles)
Most appearancesYasuhito Endō (672)
Top goalscorerYoshito Ōkubo (179)
TV partnersDAZN(includingAbema de DAZN[1])
NHK General TV(selected matches)
NHK BS(selected matches)
YouTube(selected matches and markets)
Websitejleague.jp
Current:2025 J1 League

TheJ1 League (Japanese:J1リーグ,Hepburn:Jē-wan Rīgu), also known as theJ.League or theMeiji Yasuda J1 League (Japanese:明治安田J1リーグ,Hepburn:Meiji Yasuda Jē-wan Rīgu) for sponsorship reasons,[2] is a professionalassociation football league inJapan and the highest level of theJapanese football league system.

Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system ofpromotion and relegation with theJ2 League. Both the J1 and J2 leagues are operated by theJapan Professional Football League (日本プロサッカーリーグ,Nihon Puro Sakkā Rīgu).[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

Founded in 1992, it is one of the most successful leagues inAsian professional club football history. It was known as theJ.League from 1993 to 1998 before becoming a two-division league, and asJ.League Division 1 from 1999 to 2014.Vissel Kobe successfully defended their second consecutive title in the2024 season, after previously winning it in the2023 season.

History

[edit]
For the history of Japanese club association football before the inception of the professional league in 1993, seeJapan Soccer League.
For the detailed history of J2 League, seeJ2 League § History.

Phases of J1

[edit]

Before the professional league (1992 and earlier)

[edit]

Before the inception of theJ.League, the highest level of club football was theJapan Soccer League (JSL), which was formed in 1965 and consisted of amateur clubs.[11][12] Despite being well-attended during the boom of the late 1960s and early 1970s (when Japan's national teamwon the bronze Olympic medal at the1968 games in Mexico), the JSL went into decline in the 1980s, in general line with the deteriorating situation worldwide. Fans were few, the grounds were not of the highest quality, and the Japanese national team was not on a par with the Asian powerhouses. To raise the level of play domestically, to attempt to garner more fans, and to strengthen the national team, theJapan Football Association (JFA) decided to form a professional league.

The professional association football league, J.League was formed in 1992, with eight clubs drawn from the JSL First Division, one from the Second Division, and the newly formedShimizu S-Pulse. At the same time, JSL changed its name and became the now–defunctJapan Football League, a semi-professional league. Although the J.League did not officially launch until 1993, theYamazaki Nabisco Cup competition was held between the ten clubs in 1992 to prepare for the inaugural season.

Inaugural season and J.League boom (1993–1995)

[edit]

J.League officially kicked off its first season with ten clubs in early 1993.

After the boom (1996–1999)

[edit]

Despite its success in the first three years, in early 1996, the league attendance declined rapidly. In 1997, the average attendance was 10,131, compared to more than 19,000 in 1994. Notably,Arsène Wenger managed Nagoya Grampus Eight during this period.

Change of infrastructure and game formats (1999–2004)

[edit]
Main article:J2 League

By 1999, the league's management came to a conclusion that they were heading in the wrong direction. They subsequently came up with two solutions to solve the problem.

Firsty, they announced the J.League Hundred Year Vision, in which they aimed to create or endorse 100 professional association football clubs throughout Japan by 2092, which would mark the hundredth season since the establishment of the J1 League. The league also encouraged the clubs to promote football or non-football related sports and health activities, to acquire local sponsorships, and to build good relationships with their hometowns at thegrassroots level. The league administration believed that this would allow the clubs to bond with their respective cities and towns, and obtain support from local government, companies, and citizens. In other words, clubs will be able to rely on the locals, rather than major national sponsors.

Secondly, the infrastructure of the league was heavily changed in 1999. The league acquired nine clubs from the semi-professionalJFL and one club from the J.League to create a two-division system. The top flight became the J.League Division 1 (J1) with 16 clubs while the J.League Division 2 (J2) was launched with ten clubs in 1999. The former second-tier Japan Football League now became the third-tierJapan Football League (J3).

Also, until 2004 (with the exception of1996 season), the J1 season wasdivided into two stages. At the end of each full season, the champions from each half played atwo-legged series to determine the overall season winners and runners-up.Júbilo Iwata in 2002, andYokohama F. Marinos in 2003, won both "halves" of the respective seasons, thus eliminating the need for the playoff series. The league abolished the split-season system in 2005.

European League Format & AFC Champions League (2005–2008)

[edit]

Since the2005 season, the J1 League consisted of 18 clubs (from 16 in 2004) and the season format adopted a system similar to European club football. The number of relegated clubs also increased from 2 to 2.5, with the 3rd-to-last club going into apromotion/relegation playoff with the third-placed J2 club. Since then, other than minor adjustments, the top flight has stayed consistent.

Japanese teams did not view theAFC Champions League (ACL) as a major competition in the early years, in part due to the distances travelled and teams involved. Despite this, three Japanese sides made the quarter-finals in the2008 ACL.[13]

However, in recent years, with the inclusion of theA-League in Eastern Asia, introduction to theClub World Cup, and increased marketability in the Asian continent, both the league and the clubs paid more attention to Asian competition. For example,Kawasaki Frontale built up a notable fan base in Hong Kong, owing to their participation in the Asian Champions League during the2007 season.[14] Continuous effort led to the success ofUrawa Red Diamonds in 2007 andGamba Osaka in 2008. Thanks to excellent league management and competitiveness in Asian competition, the AFC awarded J.League the highest league ranking and a total of four slots starting from the2009 season. The league took this as an opportunity to sell TV broadcasting rights to foreign countries, especially in Asia.

Also starting from the 2008 season, the Emperor's Cup Winner was allowed to participate in the upcoming Champions League season, rather than waiting a whole year (i.e.2005 Emperor's Cup winner,Tokyo Verdy, participated in the 2007 ACL season, instead of the 2006 season). In order to fix this one-year lag issue, the2007 Emperor's Cup winner,Kashima Antlers' turn was waived. Nonetheless,Kashima Antlers ended up participating in the 2009 ACL season by winning the J.League title in the2008 season.

Modern phase (2009–2016)

[edit]

Three major changes were seen starting in the2009 season. First, starting that season, four clubs entered the AFC Champions League. Secondly, the number of relegation slots increased to three. Finally, the AFC Player slot was implemented starting this season. Each club will be allowed to have a total of four foreign players; however, one slot is reserved for a player that derives from an AFC country other than Japan. Also, as a requirement of being a member of theAsian Football Confederation, in 2012, the J.League Club Licence became one criterion of whether a club was permitted to be promoted to a higher tier in professional level leagues. No major changes happened to J.League Division 1 as the number of clubs stayed at 18.

In 2015, the J.League Division 1 was renamed J1 League. Also, the tournament format was changed to a three-stage system. The season was split into first and second stages, followed by a third and final championship stage. The third stage was composed of three to five teams. The top point accumulator in each stage and the top three point accumulators for the overall season qualified. If both of the stage winners finished in the top three teams for the season, then only three teams qualified for the championship stage. These teams then took part in a championship playoff stage to decide the winner of the league trophy.

Current (2017–)

[edit]

Despite the new multi-stage format being initially reported as locked in for five seasons, due to negative reaction from hardcore fans and failure to appeal to casual fans, after 2016 it was abandoned in favour of a return to a single-stage system.[15] From 2017, the team which accumulates the most points will be named champion, with no championship stage taking place at the season's end, and from 2018, the bottom two clubs are relegated and the 16th-placed club enters a playoff with the J2 club that wins a promotion playoff series.[16] If the J2 playoff winner prevails, the club is promoted, with the J1 club being relegated, otherwise the J1 club can retain its position in J1 League with the promotion failure of the J2 club.

In November 2017, Urawa Red Diamonds played theAFC Champions League final against Al Hilal. After a draw in the first leg, Urawa Red Diamonds won the second leg 1-0 and were crowned Asian Champions. In the past 10–15 years, Japanese clubs have risen also intercontinentally. Clubs Gamba Osaka and Urawa Red Diamonds have been crowned Asian champions and participated in the Club World Cup, always targeting at least the semi-finals. Kashima Antlers were finalists of the 2016 edition and eventually lost to Real Madrid.

Beginning in 2026–27, the J.League will use a fall–spring format. The regular season will begin in August and pause for a winter break between December and February, with the final matches played in May.[17]

Timeline

[edit]
YearImportant eventsNo. J clubsNo. ACL Elite clubsNo. ACL Two clubsRel. slots
1989
  • JFA forms a professional league assessment committee.
1990
  • The committee decides the criteria for professional clubs
  • Fifteen to twenty clubs fromJapan Soccer League applies for the professional league membership
1992
1993
  • The J.League officially kicks off its first season
10
199412
1995
  • Following clubs are promoted from Japan Football League:Cerezo Osaka andKashiwa Reysol
  • The points system is introduced for the first time: a club receives 3 pts for any win, 1 pt for PK loss, and 0 pts for regulation or extra time loss.
14
1996
  • Following clubs are promoted from Japan Football League:Kyoto Purple Sanga andAvispa Fukuoka
  • The league adopts single season format
  • J.League average attendance hits the record low 10,131
16
1997
  • Following club is promoted from Japan Football League:Vissel Kobe
  • The league goes back to split-season format
  • The points system changes: a club receives 3 pts for a regulation win, 2 pts for extra-time win, 1 pt for PK win, and 0 pts for any loss.
17
1998
  • Following club is promoted from Japan Football League:Consadole Sapporo
  • Yokohama Flügels announce that they will be dissolved into crosstown rivalsYokohama Marinos for the 1999 season
  • The league announces the J.League Hundred Year Vision
  • The league announces incorporation of two-division system for the 1999 season
  • The league hosts J.League Promotion Tournament to decide to promote and/or relegate clubs. As a result,Consadole Sapporo becomes the first club be to relegated.
18
1999
  • Yokohama Marinos merge with Yokohama Flügels to becomeYokohama F. Marinos
  • Penalty kick shootouts are abolished in both divisions; however, golden goal extra-time rules stayed
  • The points system changes: a club receives 3 pts for a regulation win, 2 pts for an extra time win, and 1 pt for a tie
  • Japan Football League (former) is also restructured, as it becomes the 3rd-tierJapan Football League.
Note: To distinguish between the former and the current JFL, the new JFL is pronouncedNihon Football League in Japanese.
162
2000
2001
20022
2003
  • Extra time is abolished in Division 1 and traditional 3–1–0 points system is adopted
2004
  • No automatic relegation this season, as the top flight expands to 18 clubs in the following season
  • Inception of the two-leggedPromotion/relegation Series
0.5
2005
  • J.League Division 1 expands to 18 clubs
  • J.League Division 1 adopts single-season format
182.5
2006
2007
Note: If a Japanese club wins theAFC Champions League, the host loses its right.
20082+1
2009
  • Four clubs enter AFC Champions League.
  • Implementation of a 4th foreign player slot, a.k.a. AFC player slot
  • Promotion/relegation Series is eliminated and 16th-place club is now relegated by default.
43
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
  • J.League reinstates split-season format for the next five seasons.
  • J.League champion qualifies to theFIFA Club World Cup as the host for the next two seasons again.
2016
  • J.League champion qualifies to the FIFA Club World Cup as the host.
  • Kashima Antlers reaches the2016 FIFA Club World CupFinal becoming the first Asian club and only Japanese club to reach the Final, finishing with the silver medal.
2017
  • J.League reinstates single-season format after only two seasons.
  • Urawa Red Diamonds wins the2017 AFC Champions League becoming the first Japanese club to win this competition twice.
2018
  • J.League implements entry playoff between 16th J1 club and J2 playoffs winner.
  • Kashima Antlers wins the2018 AFC Champions League becoming only the third Japanese club to win this competition. Kashima goes on to finish 4th at2018 FIFA Club World Cup, the best performance by a Japanese club in a FIFA World Cup held overseas outside of Japanese soil.
2.5
2019
  • J.League implements a new foreigners rule. J1, J2 and J3 clubs can recruit as many foreign players as they desire, but only 5 (J1) or 4 (J2 and J3) can be in the matchday squad. The "Asian slot" is removed. Players from certain J.League partner nations such as Thailand, Vietnam, etc. are not counted as foreigners.
202030
2021
  • League is expanded to hold 20 clubs, as no team was relegated from the J1 and two teams were promoted from the J2
204
2022
  • League returns to have 18 clubs, as there were four relegated teams from J1 and two promoted to J2.
182.5
2023
  • It is decided that from the 2024 season, the J1, J2 and J3 Leagues will be levelled to 20 clubs in each, with promotions and relegations of the 2023 season of each league being adjusted accordingly for it to be possible.
  • As league will be expanded to permanently hold 20 clubs, only one team will be directly relegated to the J2 for 2023.
  • There will be promotion play-offs for the J1 with teams from 3rd to 6th place, with no team from the J1 participating on it.
1
2024
  • No J1-J2 promotion/relegation play-offs will be held and instead, the three worst-placed teams will be directly relegated to the J2.
20213

Crest

[edit]
  • Logo used between 1999 and 2014
    Logo used between 1999 and 2014
  • Logo used between 2015 and 2018
    Logo used between 2015 and 2018

2025 season

[edit]

League format

[edit]
Main article:2025 J1 League

Twenty clubs play in double round-robin (home and away) format, a total of 38 games each. A club receives 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. The clubs are ranked by points, and tiebreakers are, in the following order:

  • Goal differential
  • Goals scored
  • Head-to-head results
  • Disciplinary points

A draw would be conducted, if necessary. However, if two clubs are tied for first place, both clubs will be declared as co-champions. The top two clubs will qualify to the following season's AFC Champions League Elite, the third-placers qualify to the following season's AFC Champions League Two, while the bottom three clubs will be relegated to J2.

Prize money (2020 figures)[18]
  • Champions: 300,000,000 yen
  • Second place: 120,000,000 yen
  • Third place: 60,000,000 yen

In addition to the prize, the top 4 clubs are awarded with the following funds.

J league funds distributed to top 4 clubs (from 2017)
  • Champions: 1,550,000,000 yen
  • Second place: 700,000,000 yen
  • Third place: 350,000,000 yen
  • Fourth place: 180,000,000 yen

Participating clubs

[edit]
ClubYear
joined
Seasons
in J1
Based inFirst season in
top flight
Seasons in
top flight
Current spell in
top flight
Lasttitle
Albirex Niigata1999 (J2)16Niigata, Niigata2004162023–
Avispa Fukuoka199613Fukuoka,Fukuoka1996132021–
Cerezo Osaka199524Osaka &Sakai, Osaka1965502017–1980
Fagiano Okayama2009 (J2)0Okayama,Okayama202502025–
Gamba Osaka199331North cities inOsaka1986/87372014–2014
Kashima Antlers199332Southwestern cities/towns ofIbaraki1985/86351993–2016
Kashiwa Reysol199527Kashiwa, Chiba1965512020–2011
Kawasaki Frontale1999 (J2)21Kawasaki, Kanagawa1977232005–2021
Kyoto Sanga199614Southwestern cities/towns inKyoto1996142022–
Machida Zelvia2012 (J2)1Machida, Tokyo202412024–
Nagoya Grampus199331All cities/towns inAichi1973392018–2010
Sanfrecce Hiroshima199330Hiroshima,Hiroshima1965522009–2015
Shimizu S-Pulse199329Shimizu,Shizuoka1993292025–
Shonan Bellmare199417South and central cities/town inKanagawa1972352018–1981
FC Tokyo1999 (J2)24Chōfu2000242012–
Tokyo Verdy199315Tokyo1978292024–1994
Urawa Red Diamonds199331Saitama1965572001–2006
Vissel Kobe199726Kobe,Hyōgo1997262014–2024
Yokohama FC20074Yokohama,Kanagawa200742025–
Yokohama F. Marinos199332Yokohama,Yokosuka &Yamato1979441982–2022

Source for teams participating:[19]

  • Pink background denotes club was most recently promoted from J2 League.
  • "Year joined" is the year the club joined the J.League (Division 1 unless otherwise indicated).
  • "First season in top flight", "Seasons in top flight", "Current spell in top flight", and "Last title" include seasons in the oldJapan Soccer League First Division.

Stadiums (2025)

[edit]
Main article:List of football stadiums in Japan
See also:Category:Football venues in Japan

Primary venues used in the J1 League:

Albirex NiigataAvispa FukuokaCerezo OsakaFagiano OkayamaGamba OsakaKashima AntlersKashiwa Reysol
Denka Big Swan StadiumBest Denki StadiumYanmar Stadium NagaiYodoko Sakura StadiumCity Light StadiumPanasonic Stadium SuitaKashima Soccer StadiumSankyo Frontier Kashiwa Stadium
Capacity:42,300Capacity:21,562Capacity:47,816Capacity:24,481Capacity:20,000Capacity:40,000Capacity:37,638Capacity:15,349
Kawasaki FrontaleKyoto Sanga FCMachida ZelviaNagoya GrampusSanfrecce HiroshimaShimizu S-PulseShonan Bellmare
Kawasaki Todoroki StadiumSanga Stadium by KyoceraMachida Gion StadiumPaloma Mizuho StadiumToyota StadiumEdion Peace Wing HiroshimaIAI Stadium NihondairaLemon Gas Stadium Hiratsuka
Capacity:26,232Capacity:21,600Capacity:15,489Capacity:27,000Capacity:44,692Capacity:28,520Capacity:20,248Capacity:15,380
FC TokyoTokyo VerdyUrawa Red DiamondsVissel KobeYokohama FCYokohama F. MarinosAll J1 Stadiums
Ajinomoto StadiumSaitama Stadium 2002Noevir Stadium KobeNHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football StadiumNissan Stadium
Capacity:49,970Capacity:63,700Capacity:30,132Capacity:15,454Capacity:72,327

Former clubs

[edit]
ClubYear
Joined
Seasons
in J1
Based inFirst season in
top flight
Seasons in
top flight
Last spell in
top flight
Last
title
Current
league
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo199812Sapporo1998122017–2024J2
Júbilo Iwata199325Iwata, Shizuoka19932520242002J2
JEF United Chiba199317Chiba &Ichihara, Chiba1965441965–20091985/86J2
Matsumoto Yamaga2012 (J2)2Central cities/village inNagano201522019J3
Montedio Yamagata1999 (J2)4All cities/towns inYamagata200942015J2
Oita Trinita1999 (J2)11All cities/towns inŌita2003112019–2021J2
Omiya Ardija1999 (J2)12Saitama2005122016–2017J2
Sagan Tosu1999 (J2)4Tosu, Saga2012132012–2024J2
Tokushima Vortis2005 (J2)2All cities/towns inTokushima201422021J2
V-Varen Nagasaki2013 (J2)1All cities/towns inNagasaki201812018J2
Vegalta Sendai1999 (J2)14Sendai,Miyagi2002142010–2021J2
Ventforet Kofu1999 (J2)8All cities/towns inYamanashi200682013–2017J2
Yokohama Flügels19936Yokohama,Kanagawa1985/86111988/89–1998Defunct
  • Grey background denotes club was most recently relegated to J2 League.
  • "Year joined" is the year the club joined the J.League (Division 1 unless otherwise indicated).
  • "First season in top flight", "Seasons in top flight", "Last spell in top flight", and "Last title" includes seasons in the oldJapan Soccer League First Division.

Statistics

[edit]

All-time J1 League table

[edit]

The all-time J1 League table is a cumulative record of all match results, points, and goals of every team that has played in the J1 League. The table that follows is accurate as of the end of the2022 season. Teams inbold are part of the2023 J1 League.

Note: For statistical purposes, the traditional3–1–0 points system is used for all matches. As in the season, 1993–1994 did not use the point system. In seasons 1995–1996, were using 3 pts for any win, 1 pt for PK loss, and 0 pts for regulation or extra time loss. In seasons 1997-1998, were using 3 pts for a regulation win, 2 pts for extra-time win, 1 pt for PK win, and 0 pts for any loss. And from seasons 1999–2002, were using 3 pts for a regulation win, 2 pts for an extra time win, and 1 pt for a tie.

Pos.ClubSeasonsPldWDLGFGAGDPtsBest
Pos.
1Kashima Antlers3010245611553081,7491,211+5381,8381st
2Yokohama F. Marinos3010245081803361,6431,233+4101,7041st
3Urawa Red Diamonds299944571743631,5261,319+2071,5451st
4Nagoya Grampus299904481623801,4751,370+1051,5061st
5Gamba Osaka299904451553901,6401,459+1811,4901st
6Shimizu S-Pulse299904211674021,4151,459−441,4302nd
7Sanfrecce Hiroshima289604111653841,3901,279+1111,3981st
8Júbilo Iwata258483911423151,3741,170+2041,3151st
9Kashiwa Reysol258423631443351,2611,217+441,2331st
10Kawasaki Frontale196463401341721,193813+3801,1541st
11FC Tokyo227323071572681,007934+731,0782nd
12Cerezo Osaka227443061333051,1171,120−31,0513rd
13Vissel Kobe247942661633651,0561,250−1949613rd
14JEF United Chiba1757822770281874980−1067513rd
15Tokyo Verdy1447622643207767713+547211st
16Albirex Niigata14472156115201557679−1225836th
17Shonan Bellmare1553216683283663908–2455815th
18Vegalta Sendai14472144122206561686−1255542nd
19Sagan Tosu11378133107138443479−365065th
20Omiya Ardija12408129104175455579−1244915th
21Oita Trinita1137010888174387512−1254124th
22Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo1137011068192472653−1813984th
23Kyoto Sanga1235211253221428678−2503895th
24Yokohama Flügels62281170111375373+23513rd
25Avispa Fukuoka113609451215384642–2583338th
26Ventforet Kofu82726973130255404–14928013th
27Montedio Yamagata4136303670108199−9112613th
28Yokohama FC310619196889203−1147615th
29Matsumoto Yamaga2681320355194−435916th
30Tokushima Vortis27213114850129–795017th
31V-Varen Nagasaki13486203959−203018th

League or status at 2023:

2023 J1 League teams
2023 J2 League teams
2023 J3 League teams
Defunct teams

Championship history

[edit]
Main article:List of Japanese football champions
YearChampionsRunners-up
Verdy KawasakiKashima Antlers
Verdy KawasakiSanfrecce Hiroshima
Yokohama MarinosVerdy Kawasaki
Kashima AntlersNagoya Grampus Eight
Júbilo IwataKashima Antlers
Kashima AntlersJúbilo Iwata
Júbilo IwataShimizu S-Pulse
Kashima AntlersYokohama F. Marinos
Kashima AntlersJúbilo Iwata
Júbilo IwataYokohama F. Marinos
Yokohama F. MarinosJúbilo Iwata
Yokohama F. MarinosUrawa Red Diamonds
Gamba OsakaUrawa Red Diamonds
Urawa Red DiamondsKawasaki Frontale
Kashima AntlersUrawa Red Diamonds
Kashima AntlersKawasaki Frontale
Kashima AntlersKawasaki Frontale
Nagoya GrampusGamba Osaka
Kashiwa ReysolNagoya Grampus
Sanfrecce HiroshimaVegalta Sendai
Sanfrecce HiroshimaYokohama F. Marinos
Gamba OsakaUrawa Red Diamonds
Sanfrecce HiroshimaGamba Osaka
Kashima AntlersUrawa Red Diamonds
Kawasaki FrontaleKashima Antlers
Kawasaki FrontaleSanfrecce Hiroshima
Yokohama F. MarinosFC Tokyo
Kawasaki FrontaleGamba Osaka
Kawasaki FrontaleYokohama F. Marinos
Yokohama F. MarinosKawasaki Frontale
Vissel KobeYokohama F. Marinos
2024Vissel KobeSanfrecce Hiroshima

Most successful clubs

[edit]

Clubs inbold compete in top flight for the2025 season.

ClubChampionsRunners-upWinning seasonsRunners-up seasons
Kashima Antlers
8
3
1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, 20161993, 1997, 2017
Yokohama F. Marinos
5
5
1995, 2003, 2004, 2019, 20222000, 2002, 2013, 2021, 2023
Kawasaki Frontale
4
4
2017, 2018, 2020, 20212006, 2008, 2009, 2022
Júbilo Iwata
3
3
1997, 1999, 20021998, 2001, 2003
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
3
3
2012, 2013, 20151994, 2018, 2024
Gamba Osaka
2
3
2005, 20142010, 2015, 2020
Tokyo Verdy
2
1
1993, 19941995
Vissel Kobe
2
0
2023, 2024
Urawa Red Diamonds
1
5
20062004, 2005, 2007, 2014, 2016
Nagoya Grampus
1
2
20101996, 2011
Kashiwa Reysol
1
0
2011
Shimizu S-Pulse
0
1
1999
Vegalta Sendai
0
1
2012
FC Tokyo
0
1
2019

Relegation history

[edit]

Only four clubs have never been relegated from J1. Among those, only two clubs –Kashima Antlers andYokohama F. Marinos – have participated in every league season since its establishment in1993.Sagan Tosu were promoted to the first division in 2012, and remain there ever since. The former J.League clubYokohama Flügels never experienced relegation before their merger with Yokohama Marinos in 1999.

JEF United Chiba holds the record for the longest top flight participation streak of 44 consecutive seasons in the first divisions ofJSL and J.League that lasted from the establishment of JSL in1965 and ended with their relegation in2009. The longest ongoing top flight streak belongs toYokohama F. Marinos who have played in the top flight since1982 (44 seasons as of 2024).

The 1998 season

When the league introduced the two-division system in 1999, they also reduced number of Division 1 clubs from 18 to 16. At the end of 1998 season, they ran the J.League Promotion Tournament to determine the two relegated clubs.

Split-season era (1999–2004, 2015–2016)

Throughout 1999 to 2003 seasons, the two bottom clubs were relegated to Division 2. To accommodate the split-season format, combined overall standings were used to determine the relegated clubs. This created a confusing situation, where for the championship race stage standings were used, while overall standing was used for relegation survival.

At end of the 2004 season, Division 1 again expanded from 16 to 18 clubs. No clubs were relegated; however, the last-placed (16th) club had to play thePromotion/Relegation Series against the 3rd placed club from J2. Again, to determine the 16th placed club, the overall standing was used instead of stage standings.

For two seasons starting in 2015, the three bottom clubs were relegated based on overall standings.

Single season era (2005–2014, 2017–2019, 2022–present)

For the next four seasons, 2005 to 2008, the number of relegating clubs was increased to 2.5, with two clubs from each division being promoted and relegated directly, and two more (15th in J1 and 3rd in J2) competing in thePromotion/Relegation Series.

In 2009, the promotion/relegation series was abandoned and three teams were directly exchanged between divisions. In 2012, promotion playoffs were introduced in J2, allowing teams that finished from 3rd to 6th to compete for the last J1 promotion place. For the 2018, 2019 and 2022 seasons, the bottom two teams are relegated and the entry playoff has the 16th team play the J2 playoff winner.

Single season era (2021)

No teams descended to J2 after the 2020 season due to theCOVID-19 pandemic in Japan and its effects.[20] Instead, four relegations were in place for the 2021 season to bring back the number of teams from 20 to 18.[21]

Summary
Year15th place16th place17th place18th place19th place20th place
1998JEF United IchiharaConsadole SapporoVissel KobeAvispa FukuokaOnly 18 clubs participated
1999Urawa Red DiamondsBellmare HiratsukaOnly 16 clubs participated
2000Kyoto Purple SangaKawasaki Frontale
2001Avispa FukuokaCerezo Osaka
2002Sanfrecce HiroshimaConsadole Sapporo
2003Vegalta SendaiKyoto Purple Sanga
2004Cerezo OsakaKashiwa Reysol
2005Shimizu S-PulseKashiwa ReysolTokyo Verdy 1969Vissel KobeOnly 18 clubs participated
2006Ventforet KofuAvispa FukuokaCerezo OsakaKyoto Purple Sanga
2007Omiya ArdijaSanfrecce HiroshimaVentforet KofuYokohama FC
2008JEF United ChibaJúbilo IwataTokyo VerdyConsadole Sapporo
2009Montedio YamagataKashiwa ReysolOita TrinitaJEF United Chiba
2010Vissel KobeFC TokyoKyoto SangaShonan Bellmare
2011Urawa Red DiamondsVentforet KofuAvispa FukuokaMontedio Yamagata
2012Albirex NiigataVissel KobeGamba OsakaConsadole Sapporo
2013Ventforet KofuShonan BellmareJúbilo IwataOita Trinita
2014Shimizu S-PulseOmiya ArdijaCerezo OsakaTokushima Vortis
2015Albirex NiigataMatsumoto YamagaShimizu S-PulseMontedio Yamagata
2016Albirex NiigataNagoya GrampusShonan BellmareAvispa Fukuoka
2017Sanfrecce HiroshimaVentforet KofuAlbirex NiigataOmiya Ardija
2018Nagoya GrampusJúbilo IwataKashiwa ReysolV-Varen Nagasaki
2019Sagan TosuShonan BellmareMatsumoto YamagaJúbilo Iwata
2020Yokohama FCShimizu S-PulseVegalta SendaiShonan Bellmare
2021Kashiwa ReysolShonan BellmareTokushima VortisOita TrinitaVegalta SendaiYokohama FC
2022Gamba OsakaKyoto SangaShimizu S-PulseJúbilo IwataOnly 18 clubs participated
2023Shonan BellmareGamba OsakaKashiwa ReysolYokohama FC
2024Shonan BellmareAlbirex NiigataKashiwa ReysolJúbilo IwataHokkaido Consadole SapporoSagan Tosu
2025

* Bold designates relegated clubs;
† Won thePro/rele Series or entry playoff;
‡ Lost the Pro/rele Series or entry playoff and relegated

Other tournaments

[edit]
Domestic tournaments
International tournaments
Defunct tournament

Players and managers

[edit]
Main article:J.League awards

Players

[edit]

Managers

[edit]

Media coverage

[edit]

Japan

[edit]

DAZN brought exclusive digital broadcasting rights for the entireJ.League matches (including J1 League itself) until 2033.[22] The league was also available to stream onAbema through Abema de DAZN subscription plan.[1]

Linear broadcast for2024 season was limited to selected matches aired onNHK General TV andNHK BS, in addition to some regional network based on their team regions (such asTokyo MX,MBS TV,SBS Shizuoka,Saga TV,Sapporo TV,Mētele,TSS,NST, etc.)

Outside Japan

[edit]

Selected matches are livestreamed globally (excluding the following regions) via J.League International YouTube channel.[23]

Country/regionBroadcaster[24]
 AustraliaOptus Sport[25]
 AustriaSportdigital
 Germany
 Switzerland
 ChinaK-Ball[a]
 Hong KongTVB[a]
Indian subcontinentFancode
 MacauTDM
 NigeriaSporty TV
 ThailandSiam Sport (viaAIS Play),BG Sports (via YouTube), andPPTV (terrestrial only)
 VietnamHTV

Sponsorship

[edit]

Title Partner

[edit]

Official Broadcasting Partner

[edit]

Top Partners

[edit]

League Cup Partner

[edit]

Super Cup Partner

[edit]

Equipment Partner

[edit]

Sports Promotion Partner

[edit]

Ticketing Partner

[edit]

EC Platform Partner

[edit]

Technology Partner

[edit]

Supporting Companies

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^abIncludingJ2 League

References

[edit]
  1. ^ab"ABEMA Launches "ABEMA de DAZN" to Deliver Even More Sports Content from February".CyberAgent (Press release). February 16, 2024.Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. RetrievedFebruary 23, 2024.
  2. ^The logo used in Japan is labeled 「明治安田 J1 LEAGUE」.
  3. ^サッカー用語集 [Football glossary].JFA (in Japanese).Japan Football Association. January 25, 2017.Archived from the original on February 13, 2019. RetrievedFebruary 24, 2019.「日本プロサッカーリーグ」の読みは、「にほんプロサッカーリーグ」。
  4. ^"J-League History Part 5: Expansion, success, and a bright future".Goal.com. 9 September 2013.Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved12 December 2013.
  5. ^"J-League History Part 4: Exporting Talent".Goal.com. 9 September 2013.Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved12 December 2013.
  6. ^"J-League History Part 3: Growing pains emerge on the road to the 2002 World Cup".Goal.com. 9 September 2013.Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved12 December 2013.
  7. ^"J-League History Part 2: Verdy Kawasaki dominates the early years".Goal.com. 9 September 2013.Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved12 December 2013.
  8. ^"J-League History Part 1: Professional football begins in Japan".Goal.com. 9 September 2013.Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved12 December 2013.
  9. ^"Tokyo Journal; Japan Falls for Soccer, Leaving Baseball in Lurch".The New York Times. 6 June 1994.Archived from the original on 7 August 2019. Retrieved17 November 2013.
  10. ^"Japan Wages Soccer Campaign".Christian Science Monitor. 11 June 1993.Archived from the original on 7 August 2019. Retrieved17 November 2013.
  11. ^"Football finds a home in Japan". FIFA. 12 December 2005. Archived fromthe original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved12 December 2013.
  12. ^"How Japan created a successful league".When Saturday Comes. 18 July 2010. Archived fromthe original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved12 December 2013.
  13. ^John Duerden (11 August 2008)."Asian Debate: Is Japan Becoming Asia's Leader?".Goal.com.Archived from the original on 21 January 2014. Retrieved19 August 2012.
  14. ^川崎Fが香港でブレーク中、生中継で火 (in Japanese). NikkanSports. 8 March 2008.Archived from the original on 12 March 2008. Retrieved8 March 2008.
  15. ^Duerden, John."J.League seeks to wrestle back spotlight from Chinese Super League".ESPN FC. ESPN.Archived from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved2 March 2017.
  16. ^"2018J1参入プレーオフ 大会方式および試合方式について". J.League. 12 December 2017.Archived from the original on 15 December 2020. Retrieved12 December 2017.
  17. ^"J. League board approves August start to season from 2026".The Japan Times. Kyodo News. December 20, 2023.Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. RetrievedDecember 20, 2023.
  18. ^"J. League reveals breakdown of prize money, funds".The Japan Times. 9 February 2017.Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved7 April 2019.
  19. ^"J1 League: Summary".Soccerway. Global Sports Media. Retrieved6 December 2021.
  20. ^Orlowitz, Dan (19 March 2020)."J. League to skip relegation as schedule threatened by coronavirus".The Japan Times.Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved2 January 2021.
  21. ^"Number of clubs promoted and relegated at the end of the 2021 season" (Press release). J.League. 18 November 2020.Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved2 January 2021.
  22. ^"DAZN and J.LEAGUE extend Japanese broadcasting rights contract until 2033".DAZN (Press release).Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. RetrievedFebruary 14, 2024.
  23. ^"Overseas Broadcasting of the 2024 MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE".J League. February 23, 2024.Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. RetrievedFebruary 23, 2024.
  24. ^"Broadcaster".J League.Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. RetrievedFebruary 23, 2024.
  25. ^"Optus Sport Welcomes J-League to Our 2020 Line Up".Optus Sport.Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved11 February 2020.

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