J. League Overview

The Japan J. League Division 1 is Japan’s top-level professional league, and arguably the best in Asia. It has been active since 1993, and over the years has grown to 18 clubs, with attendances of over 70,000 for some matches. The standard of football is quite high on a technical level, with games played mostly in a quick, attacking style. The J. League (which refers commonly to J. League Division 1, or simply J1) comprises one-half of the Japan Professional Football League, with Division 2 comprising the other half. Clubs move between the two divisions via promotion and relegation. The J. League (both divisions) sits atop the Japan Football League in the Japanese football setup.

The teams currently in the Japan J. League are: Kashima Antlers, Urawa Red Diamonds, Gamba Osaka, Shimizu S-Pulse, Kawasaki Frontale, Albirex Niigata, Yokohama F. Marinos, Kashiwa Reysol, Jubilo Iwata, Vissel Kobe, Nagoya Grampus Eight, FC Tokyo, JEF United Chiba, Oita Trinita, Omiya Ardija, Consadole Sapporo, Tokyo Verdy, and Kyoto Sanga FC.

League Ranking

J League History

The J. League was formed in 1992. Prior to this time, there was the Japan Soccer League (JSL), which was the highest level of club football in Japan, but which consisted of amateur and semi-professional clubs. So along with the J. League, the core of professional football was installed in Japan. 10 clubs were brought into the newly-formed J. League – 8 from the JSL First Division, 1 from the JSL Second Division, and the newly formed Shimizu S-Pulse. The JSL subsequently re-formed as the Japan Football League, consisting of semi-professional and amateur clubs, and operating in the tiers below the Japan Professional Football League. The J.League officially kicked-off for the first time on May 15, 1993 – Verdy Kawasaki v Yokohama Marinos, at the Kasumigaoka Baseball Stadium.

The J. League was to have a huge impact on baseball-dominated Japan. It was the first professional league for the sport in the country, and its mission was not only to raise the standard of the game, but also to raise the profile of the sport and the facilities and infrastructure. The league proved to be immensely popular, with average attendances of 19,000 in its first season, and 10 more clubs joined over the next 5 years, including future champions Jubilo Iwata.

However, the “boom” did not last long, because of falling attendances due to the rapid expansion, and financial problems arising from high spending. Sponsors began to become worried, and with the Japanese economy in trouble, the parent companies behind many teams started to cut their losses. It was at this time that the two great Yokohama teams – Marinos and Flugels were merged by their parent companies (ANA and Nissan), forming the now famous Yokohama F. Marinos.

The league however managed to sort their problems out. They created a second division to the J. League, and this allowed more teams to enter the world of professional football, allowing the game to go to more parts of the country. Regulations were not as strict, so teams did not have to spend much, and it stabilised the league, allowing teams to depend on the support of local fans, rather than corporate sponsors.

League Format

As recently as 2004, the J. League season was divided into two halves, with an eventual “deciding” series played between the champions of each half. However, since 2005 the 18 teams in the league play in a “regular” format – two games against each opposition (home and away), for a total of 34 games each.

If teams are tied, then goal difference is used, followed by goals scored. Head-to-head records only come into play if both those are tied, and if these are also equal, then disciplinary records/points are counted. In the case of the league winners, if two clubs are tied even after all these factors, then both are declared as champions.

League Trophies

Kashima Antlers are the most successful J.League team, with 5 championships to their name. They are also the only team to have won the J. League in both the past (split-season) and present formats. Jubilo Iwata are second on three trophies. The pre and post-merger Yokohama Marinos also have 3 trophies between them.

Recognition and Awards

Most League Goals of All Time

Most League Appearances

League Management

J League Sponsors

Calbee – http://www.calbee.co.jp/english/
Canon – http://www.canon.com/index.html
Konami - http://www.konami.co.jp/en/
Aidem - http://www.aidem.co.jp/
Mylan
Leopalace21 - http://www.eg.leopalace21.com/index.html

Media Coverage

Important Links

References

[J Leauge]