2016 J1 League

24th season of J1 League

Football league season

Meiji Yasuda J1 LeagueSeason| 2016

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Champions| Kashima Antlers
8th J.League title
8th Japanese title
Relegated| Nagoya Grampus
Shonan Bellmare
Avispa Fukuoka
AFC Champions League| Kashima Antlers
Urawa Red Diamonds
Kawasaki Frontale
Gamba Osaka
Club World Cup| Kashima Antlers
Matches played| 306
Goals scored| 805 (2.63 per match)
Top goalscorer| Leandro (Vissel Kobe)
Peter Utaka (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
(19 goals each)
Highest attendance| 59,837
Urawa vs Kashima
(3 December)
Lowest attendance| 5,870
Fukuoka vs Nagoya
(2 July)
Average attendance| 17,968

← 2015

2017 →

All statistics correct as of 3 November 2016.

The 2016 Meiji Yasuda J1 League (2016 明治安田生命J1リーグ) season was the 51st season of top-flight football in Japan and the 24th since the establishment of the J.League in 1992. This was second season of J1 League as renamed from J. League Division 1.

This season was the second since J.League changed its competition format to a newly conceived multistage system, with the year split into two halves and a third and final championship stage. The winners of the first and second stages and the highest ranking club of the aggregate table (other than the first or second stage winners) qualified for the Championship Stage. Kashima Antlers, the winner of the championship stage, advanced to the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup as the host nation's entrant.

## Clubs

[edit]

Albirex Niigata

Avispa Fukuoka

Greater Tokyo Area†

Júbilo Iwata

Keihanshin Area‡

Nagoya Grampus

Sagan Tosu

Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Vegalta Sendai

Kashima Antlers

Ventforet Kofu

† Greater Tokyo teams

* FC Tokyo
* Kashiwa Reysol
* Kawasaki Frontale
* Omiya Ardija
* Shonan Bellmare
* Urawa Red Diamonds
* Yokohama F. Marinos

‡ Keihanshin teams

* Gamba Osaka
* Vissel Kobe

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Locations of the 2016 J1 League teams

Club name  | Home town(s)  | Stadium  | Capacity  | Note(s)

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Albirex Niigata | Niigata City & Seirō, Niigata | Denka Big Swan Stadium | 42,300  | 15th in 2015
Avispa Fukuoka | Fukuoka City, Fukuoka | Level-5 Stadium | 22,563  | Promoted from J2 League in 2015 (through a play-off system)
FC Tokyo | Tokyo | Ajinomoto Stadium | 49,970  | 2016 AFC Champions League participant (as 2015 J1 League fourth-placed team)
Gamba Osaka | Northern Osaka Prefecture[a] | Suita City Football Stadium | 40,000  | 2016 AFC Champions League participant (as 2015 J1 League third-placed team and Emperor's Cup winners)
Júbilo Iwata | Iwata, Shizuoka | Yamaha Stadium | 15,165  | Promoted from J2 League in 2015
Kashima Antlers | Southeast Ibaraki Prefecture[b] | Kashima Soccer Stadium | 40,728  | 5th in 2015
Kashiwa Reysol | Kashiwa, Chiba | Kashiwa Soccer Stadium | 15,900  | 10th in 2015
Kawasaki Frontale | Kawasaki, Kanagawa | Todoroki Athletics Stadium | 26,232  | 6th in 2015
Nagoya Grampus | All Aichi Prefecture[c] | Paloma Mizuho Stadium | 27,000  | 9th in 2015
Omiya Ardija | Saitama City, Saitama | NACK5 Stadium | 15,500  | Promoted from J2 League in 2015
Sagan Tosu | Tosu, Saga | Tosu Stadium | 24,490  | 11th in 2015
Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Hiroshima City, Hiroshima | Hiroshima Big Arch | 50,000  | 2016 AFC Champions League participant (as 2015 J1 League winners)
Shonan Bellmare | Shōnan part of Kanagawa[d] | Shonan Stadium Hiratsuka | 18,500  | 8th in 2015
Urawa Red Diamonds | Saitama City, Saitama | Saitama Stadium | 63,700  | 2016 AFC Champions League participant (as 2015 J1 League runners-up)
Vegalta Sendai | Sendai, Miyagi | Yurtec Stadium | 19,694  | 14th in 2015
Ventforet Kofu | All Yamanashi Prefecture[e] | Yamanashi Chuo Bank Stadium | 17,000  | 13th in 2015
Vissel Kobe | Kobe, Hyōgo | Misaki Park Stadium | 30,132  | 12th in 2015
Yokohama F. Marinos | Yokohama & Yokosuka, Kanagawa | Nissan Stadium | 72,327  | 7th in 2015

1. ^ Suita, Ibaraki, Takatsuki, Toyonaka, Ikeda, Settsu, Minoh
2. ^ Kashima, Kamisu, Itako, Hokota, Namegata
3. ^ centering on Nagoya, Toyota, Miyoshi
4. ^ Hiratsuka, Atsugi, Isehara, Odawara, Chigasaki, Hadano, Fujisawa, Ōiso, Samukawa, Ninomiya
5. ^ centering on Kōfu and Nirasaki

### Personnel and kits

[edit]

Club name  | Head coach  | Kit manufacturer  | Front shirt sponsor

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Albirex Niigata |  Tatsuma Yoshida | Adidas | HAPPY Turn's
Avispa Fukuoka |  Masami Ihara | Athleta | Fukuoka Jisho
FC Tokyo |  Yoshiyuki Shinoda | Umbro | Lifeval
Gamba Osaka |  Kenta Hasegawa | Umbro  | Panasonic
Júbilo Iwata |  Hiroshi Nanami | Puma | Yamaha
Kashima Antlers |  Masatada Ishii | Nike | Lixil
Kashiwa Reysol |  Takahiro Shimotaira | Yonex | Hitachi
Kawasaki Frontale |  Yahiro Kazama | Puma  | Fujitsu (home)
Arrows (away)
Nagoya Grampus |  Boško Gjurovski | Le Coq Sportif | Toyota
Omiya Ardija |  Hiroki Shibuya | Under Armour | Docomo Hikari
Sagan Tosu |  Massimo Ficcadenti | New Balance | DHC
Sanfrecce Hiroshima |  Hajime Moriyasu | Nike  | EDION
Shonan Bellmare |  Cho Kwi-jae | Penalty | Sanei Architecture Planning
Urawa Red Diamonds |  Mihailo Petrović | Nike  | Polus
Vegalta Sendai |  Susumu Watanabe | Adidas  | Iris Ohyama
Ventforet Kofu |  Satoru Sakuma | Mizuno | Hakubaku
Vissel Kobe |  Nelsinho Baptista | Asics | Rakuten
Yokohama F. Marinos |  Erick Mombaerts | Adidas  | Nissan

### Managerial changes

[edit]

Team  | Outgoing manager  | Date of separation  | Manner of departure  | Incoming manager  | Date of announcement

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Kashiwa Reysol  |  Tatsuma Yoshida | End of 2015 season  | Mutual consent[1] |  Milton Mendes | 30 October 2015
Nagoya Grampus  |  Akira Nishino | Mutual consent[2] |  Takafumi Ogura | 24 November 2015
Albirex Niigata  |  Masaaki Yanagishita | Mutual consent[3] |  Tatsuma Yoshida | 12 December 2015
FC Tokyo  |  Massimo Ficcadenti | 27 November 2015  | Signed by Sagan Tosu[4] |  Hiroshi Jofuku | 28 December 2015
Sagan Tosu  |  Hitoshi Morishita | 7 January 2016  | Contract terminated[5] |  Massimo Ficcadenti[6] | 7 January 2016
Kashiwa Reysol  |  Milton Mendes | 12 March 2016  | Resigned[7] |  Takahiro Shimotaira | 12 March 2016
FC Tokyo  |  Hiroshi Jofuku | 24 July 2016  | Sacked[8][9] |  Yoshiyuki Shinoda | 26 July 2016
Nagoya Grampus  |  Takafumi Ogura | 23 August 2016  | Sacked[10] |  Boško Gjurovski | 23 August 2016

### Foreign players

[edit]

Players name in bold indicates the player is registered during the mid-season transfer window.

Club  | Player 1  | Player 2  | Player 3  | AFC player  | Non-visa foreign  | Type-C contract[11] | Former players

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Albirex Niigata |  Bruno Cortez |  Léo Silva |  Rafael Silva |  |  |  Leonardo Kalil |  Lim You-hwan
Avispa Fukuoka |  Wellington |  Danilson Córdoba |  Kim Hyun-hun |  Lee Bum-young |  |  |
FC Tokyo |  Nathan Burns |  Muriqui |  |  Yu In-soo |  |  |  Ha Dae-sung
Francisco Sandaza
Gamba Osaka |  Ademilson |  Patric |  |  Oh Jae-suk |  Kim Jung-ya |  |
Júbilo Iwata |  Adaílton |  Jay Bothroyd |  Krzysztof Kamiński |  Avraam Papadopoulos 1 |  |  |
Kashima Antlers |  Fabrício |  |  |  Hwang Seok-ho |  Bueno |  |  Caio
Dinei
Kashiwa Reysol |  Cristiano |  Diego Oliveira |  |  |  |  Dudu |  Éderson
Juliano Mineiro
Patrick
Kawasaki Frontale |  Eduardo |  Eduardo Neto |  Elsinho |  Jung Sung-ryong |  |  |
Nagoya Grampus |  Ha Dae-sung |  Ludvig Öhman |  Robin Simović |  Lee Seung-hee |  |  Gustavo |
Omiya Ardija |  Mateus |  Dragan Mrđa |  Nejc Pecnik |  |  |  |
Sagan Tosu |  Aymen Tahar |  Moestafa El Kabir |  Kim Min-hyeok |  Kim Min-woo |  |  |  Baek Sung-dong
Choi Sung-keun
Sanfrecce Hiroshima |  Anderson Lopes |  Mihael Mikić |  Peter Utaka |  |  |  |  Kim Byeom-yong
Shonan Bellmare |  André Bahia |  Dinei |  Weslley |  Tando Velaphi |  |  Park Tae-hwan |  Paulinho
Thiago Quirino
Urawa Red Diamonds |  Branko Ilić |  Zlatan Ljubijankić |  |  |  |  |
Vegalta Sendai |  Pablo Diogo |  Ramon Lopes |  Wilson |  Kim Min-tae |  Ryang Yong-gi |  |
Ventforet Kofu |  Davi |  Dudu |  Marquinhos Paraná |  Billy Celeski |  |  |  Cristiano
Gilton
Nilson
Vissel Kobe |  Leandro |  Nílton |  Pedro Júnior |  Kim Seung-gyu |  |  |
Yokohama F. Marinos |  Fábio |  Kayke |  Quenten Martinus |  Park Jeong-su |  |  |

* ^1 Avraam Papadopoulos owns Australian citizenship and was counted as an Asian player.

## Format

[edit]

Teams play a single round-robin in the first stage and a single round-robin in the second stage.[12] After that an overall table is calculated and a championship stage is played. The winners of the first and second stages and any team that finishes in the top 3 of the overall rankings advance to the championship stage. The team that finishes atop the overall table automatically qualifies for the final, while the remaining teams play-off for the other spot in the final.

## League table

[edit]

### First stage

[edit]

Pos | Team  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification

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1  | Kashima Antlers (Q) | 17  | 12  | 3  | 2  | 29  | 10  | +19  | 39  | Champions League group stage and J.League Championship 1st Round
2  | Kawasaki Frontale | 17  | 11  | 5  | 1  | 33  | 15  | +18  | 38  |
3  | Urawa Red Diamonds | 17  | 10  | 3  | 4  | 26  | 16  | +10  | 33
4  | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 17  | 8  | 5  | 4  | 32  | 18  | +14  | 29
5  | Omiya Ardija | 17  | 7  | 5  | 5  | 17  | 18  | −1  | 26
6  | Gamba Osaka | 17  | 7  | 3  | 7  | 22  | 20  | +2  | 24
7  | Kashiwa Reysol | 17  | 6  | 6  | 5  | 20  | 21  | −1  | 24
8  | Júbilo Iwata | 17  | 6  | 5  | 6  | 21  | 23  | −2  | 23
9  | FC Tokyo | 17  | 6  | 5  | 6  | 16  | 18  | −2  | 23
10  | Vegalta Sendai | 17  | 7  | 2  | 8  | 20  | 25  | −5  | 23
11  | Yokohama F. Marinos | 17  | 6  | 4  | 7  | 21  | 19  | +2  | 22
12  | Vissel Kobe | 17  | 5  | 5  | 7  | 23  | 25  | −2  | 20
13  | Albirex Niigata | 17  | 4  | 6  | 7  | 19  | 25  | −6  | 18
14  | Nagoya Grampus | 17  | 4  | 5  | 8  | 24  | 29  | −5  | 17
15  | Sagan Tosu | 17  | 4  | 5  | 8  | 10  | 15  | −5  | 17
16  | Shonan Bellmare | 17  | 4  | 4  | 9  | 18  | 27  | −9  | 16
17  | Ventforet Kofu | 17  | 3  | 6  | 8  | 18  | 31  | −13  | 15
18  | Avispa Fukuoka | 17  | 2  | 5  | 10  | 11  | 25  | −14  | 11

Source: 2016 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE 1st Stage League table
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

### Second stage

[edit]

Pos | Team  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification

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1  | Urawa Red Diamonds (Q) | 17  | 13  | 2  | 2  | 35  | 12  | +23  | 41  | Champions League group stage and J.League Championship Final
2  | Vissel Kobe | 17  | 11  | 2  | 4  | 33  | 18  | +15  | 35  |
3  | Kawasaki Frontale | 17  | 11  | 1  | 5  | 35  | 24  | +11  | 34
4  | Gamba Osaka | 17  | 10  | 4  | 3  | 31  | 22  | +9  | 34
5  | Kashiwa Reysol | 17  | 9  | 3  | 5  | 32  | 23  | +9  | 30
6  | Omiya Ardija | 17  | 8  | 6  | 3  | 24  | 18  | +6  | 30
7  | Yokohama F. Marinos | 17  | 7  | 8  | 2  | 32  | 19  | +13  | 29
8  | Sagan Tosu | 17  | 8  | 5  | 4  | 26  | 22  | +4  | 29
9  | FC Tokyo | 17  | 9  | 2  | 6  | 23  | 21  | +2  | 29
10  | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 17  | 8  | 2  | 7  | 26  | 22  | +4  | 26
11  | Kashima Antlers | 17  | 6  | 2  | 9  | 24  | 24  | 0  | 20
12  | Vegalta Sendai | 17  | 6  | 2  | 9  | 19  | 23  | −4  | 20
13  | Ventforet Kofu | 17  | 4  | 4  | 9  | 14  | 27  | −13  | 16
14  | Júbilo Iwata | 17  | 2  | 7  | 8  | 16  | 27  | −11  | 13
15  | Nagoya Grampus | 17  | 3  | 4  | 10  | 14  | 29  | −15  | 13
16  | Albirex Niigata | 17  | 4  | 0  | 13  | 14  | 24  | −10  | 12
17  | Shonan Bellmare | 17  | 3  | 2  | 12  | 12  | 29  | −17  | 11
18  | Avispa Fukuoka | 17  | 2  | 2  | 13  | 15  | 41  | −26  | 8

Source: 2016 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE 2nd Stage League table
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored.
(Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

### Overall table

[edit]

Pos | Team  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation

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1  | Urawa Red Diamonds | 34  | 23  | 5  | 6  | 61  | 28  | +33  | 74  | Champions League group stage and J. League Championship Final
2  | Kawasaki Frontale | 34  | 22  | 6  | 6  | 68  | 39  | +29  | 72  | Champions League group stage and J. League Championship 1st Round
3  | Kashima Antlers (C) | 34  | 18  | 5  | 11  | 53  | 34  | +19  | 59  | Club World Cup, Champions League group stage and J. League Championship 1st Round
4  | Gamba Osaka | 34  | 17  | 7  | 10  | 53  | 42  | +11  | 58  | Champions League play-off round[a]
5  | Omiya Ardija | 34  | 15  | 11  | 8  | 41  | 36  | +5  | 56  |
6  | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 34  | 16  | 7  | 11  | 58  | 40  | +18  | 55
7  | Vissel Kobe | 34  | 16  | 7  | 11  | 56  | 43  | +13  | 55
8  | Kashiwa Reysol | 34  | 15  | 9  | 10  | 52  | 44  | +8  | 54
9  | FC Tokyo | 34  | 15  | 7  | 12  | 39  | 39  | 0  | 52
10  | Yokohama F. Marinos | 34  | 13  | 12  | 9  | 53  | 38  | +15  | 51
11  | Sagan Tosu | 34  | 12  | 10  | 12  | 36  | 37  | −1  | 46
12  | Vegalta Sendai | 34  | 13  | 4  | 17  | 39  | 48  | −9  | 43
13  | Júbilo Iwata | 34  | 8  | 12  | 14  | 37  | 50  | −13  | 36
14  | Ventforet Kofu | 34  | 7  | 10  | 17  | 32  | 58  | −26  | 31
15  | Albirex Niigata | 34  | 8  | 6  | 20  | 33  | 49  | −16  | 30
16  | Nagoya Grampus (R) | 34  | 7  | 9  | 18  | 38  | 58  | −20  | 30  | Relegation to 2017 J2 League
17  | Shonan Bellmare (R) | 34  | 7  | 6  | 21  | 30  | 56  | −26  | 27
18  | Avispa Fukuoka (R) | 34  | 4  | 7  | 23  | 26  | 66  | −40  | 19

Source: Meiji Yasuda J1 League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored.
(C) Champions; (R) Relegated
Notes:

1. ^ The winner of the 2016 Emperor's Cup qualified for the group stage of the 2017 AFC Champions League. Since the Emperor's Cup winner Kashima Antlers had already qualified for the AFC Champions League, the play-off round spot was awarded to the fourth-placed team.

## Positions by round

[edit]

### First stage

[edit]

Team ╲ Round| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12| 13| 14| 15| 16| 17

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Kashima Antlers| 5| 2| 7| 3| 3| 2| 2| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 2| 2| 2| 1| 1
Kawasaki Frontale| 5| 3| 1| 1| 2| 1| 1| 2| 2| 2| 2| 1| 1| 1| 1| 2| 2
Urawa Red Diamonds| 2| 7| 2| 2| 1| 3| 3| 1| 1| 1| 1| 2| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3
Sanfrecce Hiroshima| 13| 16| 16| 11| 7| 10| 5| 4| 7| 7| 6| 6| 8| 6| 5| 4| 4
Omiya Ardija| 5| 1| 3| 10| 10| 6| 6| 6| 5| 5| 5| 4| 4| 4| 4| 5| 5
Gamba Osaka| 13| 12| 4| 7| 12| 8| 8| 8| 9| 11| 10| 8| 6| 8| 8| 6| 6
Kashiwa Reysol| 10| 18| 17| 17| 16| 14| 9| 7| 4| 4| 4| 5| 5| 5| 6| 7| 7
Júbilo Iwata| 13| 8| 9| 12| 11| 7| 10| 9| 6| 6| 8| 9| 7| 9| 11| 12| 8
FC Tokyo| 13| 8| 4| 9| 6| 9| 11| 12| 13| 13| 12| 12| 12| 11| 12| 11| 9
Vegalta Sendai| 5| 8| 4| 7| 13| 15| 15| 15| 16| 17| 14| 14| 13| 12| 10| 8| 10
Yokohama F. Marinos| 13| 16| 11| 5| 4| 4| 4| 5| 8| 9| 9| 10| 9| 7| 7| 9| 11
Vissel Kobe| 18| 5| 13| 6| 5| 5| 7| 10| 10| 8| 7| 7| 10| 10| 9| 10| 12
Albirex Niigata| 2| 13| 14| 14| 9| 13| 14| 14| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 16| 15| 13
Nagoya Grampus| 5| 4| 9| 4| 8| 11| 13| 11| 12| 10| 11| 11| 11| 13| 13| 14| 14
Sagan Tosu| 2| 8| 11| 13| 14| 16| 16| 16| 14| 14| 16| 16| 16| 17| 15| 13| 15
Shonan Bellmare| 10| 14| 15| 16| 17| 18| 18| 18| 18| 16| 17| 18| 18| 16| 17| 16| 16
Ventforet Kofu| 1| 6| 8| 15| 15| 12| 12| 13| 11| 12| 13| 13| 14| 14| 14| 17| 17
Avispa Fukuoka| 10| 15| 18| 18| 18| 17| 17| 17| 17| 18| 18| 17| 17| 18| 18| 18| 18

| Leader and qualification to 2016 J.League Championship

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Source: J. League data site
Notes:

1. Two games for Matchday 7 (Avispa Fukuoka vs. Nagoya Grampus and Sagan Tosu vs. Vissel Kobe), scheduled on 16 April 2016, were affected by the series of earthquakes in Kumamoto prefecture, and thus postponed and rescheduled on 2 June 2016. Results of these matches were included in Matchday 15 ranking.
2. Matchday 10 results for 2016 AFC Champions League Participants (FC Tokyo vs. Sanfrecce Hiroshima; Gamba Osaka vs. Urawa Red Diamonds), held on 15 June 2016, were included in Matchday 16 ranking.
3. Matchday 13 results for 2016 AFC Champions League Knockout Stage Participants (Urawa Red Diamonds vs. FC Tokyo), held on 22 June 2016, were included in Matchday 17 ranking.

### Second stage

[edit]

Team ╲ Round| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12| 13| 14| 15| 16| 17

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Urawa Red Diamonds| 7| 4| 3| 3| 2| 2| 2| 1| 2| 2| 2| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1
Vissel Kobe| 1| 5| 8| 6| 9| 7| 8| 7| 6| 5| 4| 5| 4| 2| 3| 3| 2
Kawasaki Frontale| 1| 1| 1| 2| 1| 1| 1| 2| 1| 1| 1| 3| 2| 3| 2| 2| 3
Gamba Osaka| 5| 3| 4| 4| 7| 6| 4| 3| 4| 4| 3| 2| 3| 5| 4| 4| 4
Kashiwa Reysol| 8| 11| 10| 8| 5| 4| 6| 8| 7| 6| 5| 6| 5| 4| 6| 7| 5
Omiya Ardija| 8| 7| 7| 9| 10| 11| 10| 11| 10| 10| 9| 9| 8| 7| 7| 5| 6
Yokohama F. Marinos| 1| 1| 1| 1| 3| 5| 3| 5| 5| 7| 7| 4| 6| 6| 5| 6| 7
Sagan Tosu| 6| 6| 5| 5| 4| 3| 5| 4| 3| 3| 6| 7| 7| 8| 8| 8| 8
FC Tokyo| 10| 10| 11| 12| 16| 12| 11| 12| 12| 11| 10| 11| 11| 11| 9| 9| 9
Sanfrecce Hiroshima| 1| 8| 9| 10| 6| 8| 7| 6| 8| 8| 8| 8| 10| 10| 11| 10| 10
Kashima Antlers| 14| 9| 6| 7| 8| 9| 12| 10| 9| 9| 11| 10| 9| 9| 10| 11| 11
Vegalta Sendai| 15| 18| 17| 14| 11| 10| 9| 9| 11| 12| 12| 12| 12| 12| 12| 12| 12
Ventforet Kofu| 15| 16| 15| 16| 12| 13| 15| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13
Júbilo Iwata| 15| 13| 14| 13| 13| 15| 16| 16| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 16| 16| 16| 14
Nagoya Grampus| 12| 16| 18| 17| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 16| 17| 16| 15| 14| 14| 15
Albirex Niigata| 12| 14| 16| 18| 15| 16| 13| 14| 14| 14| 14| 14| 14| 14| 15| 15| 16
Shonan Bellmare| 15| 12| 13| 15| 17| 17| 17| 17| 17| 17| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 17| 17
Avispa Fukuoka| 11| 15| 12| 11| 14| 13| 14| 15| 16| 16| 17| 16| 17| 17| 17| 18| 18

| Leader and qualification to 2016 J.League Championship

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Source: J. League data site

### Overall

[edit]

Team ╲ Round| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12| 13| 14| 15| 16| 17| 18| 19| 20| 21| 22| 23| 24| 25| 26| 27| 28| 29| 30| 31| 32| 33| 34

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Urawa Red Diamonds| 2| 7| 2| 2| 1| 3| 3| 1| 1| 1| 1| 2| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 2| 2| 2| 2| 2| 2| 2| 2| 1| 1| 1| 1
Kawasaki Frontale| 5| 3| 1| 1| 2| 1| 1| 2| 2| 2| 2| 1| 1| 1| 1| 2| 2| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 2| 2| 2| 2
Kashima Antlers| 5| 2| 7| 3| 3| 2| 2| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 2| 2| 2| 1| 1| 2| 2| 2| 2| 2| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3| 3
Gamba Osaka| 13| 12| 4| 7| 12| 8| 8| 8| 9| 11| 10| 8| 6| 8| 8| 6| 6| 6| 5| 6| 6| 7| 6| 5| 5| 5| 5| 4| 4| 4| 4| 5| 4| 4
Omiya Ardija| 5| 1| 3| 10| 10| 6| 6| 6| 5| 5| 5| 4| 4| 4| 4| 5| 5| 5| 6| 7| 7| 8| 8| 8| 8| 7| 7| 7| 7| 7| 6| 4| 5| 5
Kashiwa Reysol| 10| 18| 17| 17| 16| 14| 9| 7| 4| 4| 4| 5| 5| 5| 6| 7| 7| 7| 8| 8| 8| 5| 5| 7| 7| 6| 6| 6| 6| 5| 5| 6| 8| 8
Sanfrecce Hiroshima| 13| 16| 16| 11| 7| 10| 5| 4| 7| 7| 6| 6| 8| 6| 5| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 4| 5| 5| 6| 7| 8| 6| 6
Vissel Kobe| 18| 5| 13| 6| 5| 5| 7| 10| 10| 8| 7| 7| 10| 10| 9| 10| 12| 9| 10| 11| 9| 11| 10| 12| 11| 9| 9| 9| 9| 8| 8| 9| 7| 7
Yokohama F. Marinos| 13| 16| 11| 5| 4| 4| 4| 5| 8| 9| 9| 10| 9| 7| 7| 9| 11| 8| 7| 5| 5| 6| 7| 6| 6| 8| 8| 8| 8| 9| 9| 7| 9| 10
FC Tokyo| 13| 8| 4| 9| 6| 9| 11| 12| 13| 13| 12| 12| 12| 11| 12| 11| 9| 10| 9| 9| 10| 13| 12| 10| 12| 12| 11| 10| 10| 10| 10| 10| 10| 9
Sagan Tosu| 2| 8| 11| 13| 14| 16| 16| 16| 14| 14| 16| 16| 16| 17| 15| 13| 15| 13| 13| 12| 13| 10| 9| 11| 10| 11| 10| 11| 11| 11| 12| 12| 11| 11
Vegalta Sendai| 5| 8| 4| 7| 13| 15| 15| 15| 16| 17| 14| 14| 13| 12| 10| 8| 10| 12| 12| 13| 12| 9| 11| 9| 9| 10| 12| 12| 12| 12| 11| 11| 12| 12
Júbilo Iwata| 13| 8| 9| 12| 11| 7| 10| 9| 6| 6| 8| 9| 7| 9| 11| 12| 8| 11| 11| 10| 11| 12| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13| 13
Ventforet Kofu| 1| 6| 8| 15| 15| 12| 12| 13| 11| 12| 13| 13| 14| 14| 14| 17| 17| 17| 17| 17| 17| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 14| 14| 14| 14| 14| 14
Albirex Niigata| 2| 13| 14| 14| 9| 13| 14| 14| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 16| 15| 13| 14| 15| 15| 15| 14| 14| 14| 14| 14| 14| 14| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15| 15
Nagoya Grampus| 5| 4| 9| 4| 8| 11| 13| 11| 12| 10| 11| 11| 11| 13| 13| 14| 14| 15| 16| 16| 16| 17| 16| 16| 16| 16| 16| 16| 16| 16| 16| 16| 16| 16
Shonan Bellmare| 10| 14| 15| 16| 17| 18| 18| 18| 18| 16| 17| 18| 18| 16| 17| 16| 16| 16| 14| 14| 14| 16| 17| 17| 17| 17| 17| 17| 18| 17| 17| 17| 17| 17
Avispa Fukuoka| 10| 15| 18| 18| 18| 17| 17| 17| 17| 18| 18| 17| 17| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18| 17| 18| 18| 18| 18| 18

| Leader, qualification to 2016 J.League Championship Final and 2017 AFC Champions League group stage

|

| Qualification to 2016 J.League Championship 1st Round and 2017 AFC Champions League group stage
| Qualification to 2017 AFC Champions League qualifying play-off
| Relegation to 2017 J2 League

Source: J. League data site
Notes:

1. Two games for Matchday 7 (Avispa Fukuoka vs. Nagoya Grampus and Sagan Tosu vs. Vissel Kobe), scheduled on 16 April 2016, were affected by the series of earthquakes in Kumamoto prefecture, and thus postponed and rescheduled on 2 June 2016. Results of these matches were included in Matchday 15 ranking.
2. Matchday 10 results for 2016 AFC Champions League Participants (FC Tokyo vs. Sanfrecce Hiroshima; Gamba Osaka vs. Urawa Red Diamonds), held on 15 June 2016, were included in Matchday 16 ranking.
3. Matchday 13 results for 2016 AFC Champions League Knockout Stage Participants (Urawa Red Diamonds vs. FC Tokyo), held on 22 June 2016, were included in Matchday 17 ranking.

## Championship stage

[edit]

Meiji Yasuda 2016 J.League Championship (明治安田生命 2016 Jリーグチャンピオンシップ)
The Championship stage consisted of a knockout tournament involving the champions of the First and Second stages, and any team that finishes in the top 3 of the overall table. The team with the best aggregate record earned a bye to the final. The remaining teams playoff for the other spot in the final.

| Semifinal | | | Final |

|
|
|
|
|

| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 1 | Urawa Red Diamonds | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Kawasaki Frontale | 0 | | | 3 | Kashima Antlers | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Kashima Antlers | 1 | | | |

* * *

23 November 2016

14:00

Kawasaki Frontale| 0–1| Kashima Antlers

|
|

| Report | Kanazaki 50'

Todoroki Athletics Stadium, Kawasaki

Attendance: 24,209

Referee: Shinji Murakami

* * *

29 November 2016

19:25

Kashima Antlers| 0–1| Urawa Red Diamonds

|
|

| Report | Abe 57' (pen.)

Kashima Soccer Stadium, Kashima

Attendance: 23,074

Referee: Masaaki Toma

* * *

3 December 2016

19:30

Urawa Red Diamonds| 1–2| Kashima Antlers

|
|

Koroki 7' | Report | Kanazaki 40', 79' (pen.)

Saitama Stadium 2002, Midori-ku, Saitama

Attendance: 59,837

Referee: Ryuji Sato

## Results

[edit]

### First stage

[edit]

Home \ Away  | ALB | ANT | ARD | AVI | BEL | FMA | FRO | GAM | GRA | JÚB | RED | REY | SAG | SFR | TOK | VEG | VEN | VIS

|
|
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Albirex Niigata |  |  | 1–0  |  |  | 1–2  | 0–0  | 0–0  |  | 1–2  |  | 2–2  | 1–0  |  |  |  | 2–2  |
Kashima Antlers | 2–1  |  |  | 2–0  |  | 1–0  |  |  |  |  |  | 0–2  | 1–0  | 4–1  | 2–0  |  | 4–0  |
Omiya Ardija |  | 0–0  |  |  |  | 1–1  |  |  |  | 1–1  | 0–1  | 2–0  |  | 1–5  |  |  | 1–1  | 2–2
Avispa Fukuoka | 0–1  |  | 1–2  |  | 1–0  | 1–1  | 2–2  | 0–1  | 0–0  |  |  |  |  | 0–4  |  |  |  |
Shonan Bellmare | 1–2  | 0–3  | 0–1  |  |  |  |  |  | 2–1  | 1–0  | 0–2  |  |  |  | 0–1  | 0–1  |  | 1–2
Yokohama F. Marinos |  |  |  |  | 0–1  |  | 0–2  |  |  |  | 0–0  | 3–0  | 2–1  | 1–2  | 0–1  | 0–1  | 2–2  |
Kawasaki Frontale |  | 1–1  | 2–0  |  | 4–4  |  |  |  | 3–2  | 1–0  | 0–1  |  | 1–0  |  |  | 1–1  |  | 3–1
Gamba Osaka |  | 0–1  | 2–1  |  | 3–3  | 1–2  | 0–1  |  | 3–3  | 2–1  | 1–0  | 0–1  |  |  |  |  |  |
Nagoya Grampus | 2–1  | 2–3  | 1–2  |  |  | 3–1  |  |  |  |  |  | 1–1  | 0–1  | 1–1  |  | 2–1  |  | 0–1
Júbilo Iwata |  | 1–1  |  | 2–2  |  | 1–5  |  |  | 0–1  |  |  |  |  | 1–0  | 0–0  | 3–0  | 3–1  |
Urawa Red Diamonds | 0–0  | 0–2  |  | 2–0  |  |  |  |  | 4–1  | 1–2  |  |  |  |  | 3–2  | 3–1  | 2–1  | 3–1
Kashiwa Reysol |  |  |  | 3–2  | 1–1  |  | 1–3  |  |  | 2–2  | 1–2  |  |  |  | 1–0  | 0–2  |  | 2–0
Sagan Tosu |  |  | 0–1  | 2–1  | 0–1  |  |  | 2–1  |  | 0–1  | 0–0  | 1–1  |  |  |  |  | 1–1  | 0–0
Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 1–0  |  |  |  | 2–2  |  | 0–1  | 1–3  |  |  | 4–2  | 0–0  | 3–0  |  |  | 3–0  |  |
FC Tokyo | 1–1  |  | 0–1  | 0–1  |  |  | 2–4  | 1–0  | 3–2  |  |  |  | 0–0  | 1–1  |  |  |  | 1–0
Vegalta Sendai | 4–2  | 1–0  | 0–1  | 2–0  |  |  |  | 1–3  |  |  |  |  | 0–2  |  | 1–2  |  | 2–1  |
Ventforet Kofu |  |  |  | 1–0  | 3–1  |  | 0–4  | 0–1  | 2–2  |  |  | 0–2  |  | 0–3  | 1–1  |  |  |
Vissel Kobe | 6–3  | 1–2  |  | 0–0  |  | 0–1  |  | 2–1  |  | 4–1  |  |  |  | 1–1  |  | 2–2  | 0–2  |

Updated to match(es) played on 25 June 2016. Source: J. League Data
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

### Second stage

[edit]

Home \ Away  | ALB | ANT | ARD | AVI | BEL | FMA | FRO | GAM | GRA | JÚB | RED | REY | SAG | SFR | TOK | VEG | VEN | VIS

|
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Albirex Niigata |  | 0–2  |  | 3–0  | 0–1  |  |  |  | 0–1  |  | 1–2  |  |  | 0–1  | 0–1  | 1–2  |  | 1–0
Kashima Antlers |  |  | 1–3  |  | 1–0  |  | 0–1  | 1–3  | 3–0  | 3–0  | 1–2  |  |  |  |  | 0–1  |  | 0–1
Omiya Ardija | 1–2  |  |  | 1–0  | 3–2  |  | 3–2  | 0–0  | 1–0  |  |  |  | 1–1  |  | 0–1  | 2–1  |  |
Avispa Fukuoka |  | 1–2  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2–3  | 1–2  | 0–4  | 2–3  |  | 2–1  | 1–1  | 1–2  | 1–4
Shonan Bellmare |  |  |  | 0–2  |  | 0–3  | 2–3  | 1–2  |  |  |  | 0–0  | 0–2  | 1–2  |  |  | 1–0  |
Yokohama F. Marinos | 3–1  | 2–2  | 1–1  | 3–0  |  |  |  | 2–2  | 0–0  | 1–1  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3–2
Kawasaki Frontale | 3–2  |  |  | 3–1  |  | 3–2  |  | 2–3  |  |  |  | 2–5  |  | 2–0  | 1–0  |  | 4–0  |
Gamba Osaka | 3–1  |  |  | 0–0  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2–1  | 1–0  | 3–3  | 3–1  | 2–1  | 0–1
Nagoya Grampus |  |  |  | 5–0  | 1–3  |  | 0–3  | 1–3  |  | 1–1  | 0–2  |  |  |  | 1–1  |  | 1–3  |
Júbilo Iwata | 1–2  |  | 1–1  |  | 0–0  |  | 1–1  | 0–2  |  |  | 0–1  | 1–2  | 1–1  |  |  |  |  | 3–4
Urawa Red Diamonds |  |  | 2–2  |  | 4–1  | 1–1  | 1–2  | 4–0  |  |  |  | 2–0  | 2–0  | 3–0  |  |  |  |
Kashiwa Reysol | 1–0  | 2–0  | 1–2  |  |  | 1–2  |  | 3–2  | 3–1  |  |  |  | 2–3  | 3–3  |  |  | 1–0  |
Sagan Tosu | 1–0  | 1–0  |  |  |  | 2–2  | 1–0  |  | 0–0  |  |  |  |  | 2–3  | 3–2  | 2–3  |  |
Sanfrecce Hiroshima |  | 2–4  | 0–1  | 4–1  |  | 2–2  |  |  | 2–0  | 3–0  |  |  |  |  | 0–1  |  | 0–1  | 2–0
FC Tokyo |  | 2–1  |  |  | 3–0  | 1–0  |  |  |  | 3–2  | 1–3  | 0–1  |  |  |  | 1–0  | 1–0  |
Vegalta Sendai |  |  |  |  | 1–0  | 0–1  | 0–3  |  | 1–2  | 0–1  | 0–1  | 4–2  |  | 0–2  |  |  |  | 3–0
Ventforet Kofu | 1–0  | 3–3  | 2–2  |  |  | 0–4  |  |  |  | 0–0  | 0–2  |  | 0–1  |  |  | 1–1  |  | 0–3
Vissel Kobe |  |  | 1–0  |  | 2–0  |  | 3–0  |  | 3–0  |  | 2–1  | 1–1  | 2–2  |  | 4–1  |  |  |

Updated to match(es) played on 3 November 2016. Source: J. League Data
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

## Top scorers

[edit]

Rank  | Scorer  | Club  | Goals

|
|
|

1  |  Leandro | Vissel Kobe | 19
Peter Utaka | Sanfrecce Hiroshima
3  |  Cristiano | Ventforet Kofu / Kashiwa Reysol | 16
4  |  Yoshito Ōkubo | Kawasaki Frontale | 15
Yu Kobayashi
6  |  Jay Bothroyd | Júbilo Iwata | 14
Shinzo Koroki | Urawa Red Diamonds
8  |  Yohei Toyoda | Sagan Tosu | 13
9  |  Diego Oliveira | Kashiwa Reysol | 12
Kazuma Watanabe | Vissel Kobe
Yuki Muto | Urawa Red Diamonds

Updated to games played on 3 November 2016

Source: J. League data site

## Awards

[edit]

### Individual

[edit]

Award | Recipient | Club

|
|

Most Valuable Player |  Kengo Nakamura | Kawasaki Frontale
Rookie of the Year |  Yosuke Ideguchi | Gamba Osaka
Top Scorer |  Leandro
Peter Utaka | Vissel Kobe
Sanfrecce Hiroshima

### Best Eleven

[edit]

Position  | Footballer  | Club  | Nationality

|
|
|

GK  | Shusaku Nishikawa | Urawa Red Diamonds |  Japan
DF  | Gen Shoji | Kashima Antlers |  Japan
DF  | Masato Morishige | FC Tokyo |  Japan
DF  | Tomoaki Makino | Urawa Red Diamonds |  Japan
DF  | Tsukasa Shiotani | Sanfrecce Hiroshima |  Japan
MF  | Kengo Nakamura | Kawasaki Frontale |  Japan
MF  | Manabu Saitō | Yokohama F. Marinos |  Japan
MF  | Yōsuke Kashiwagi | Urawa Red Diamonds |  Japan
MF  | Yuki Abe | Urawa Red Diamonds |  Japan
FW  | Leandro | Vissel Kobe |  Brazil
FW  | Yu Kobayashi | Kawasaki Frontale |  Japan

Source:[13]

## Attendances

[edit]

These are the attendance records of each of the teams at the end of the home and away season. The table does not include the Championship stages attendances.

Pos  | Team  | Total | High | Low | Average | Change

|
|
|
|
|
|

1  | Urawa Red Diamonds | 627,898  | 56,841  | 22,766  | 36,935 | +4.0%†
2  | Gamba Osaka | 430,806  | 34,231  | 13,731  | 25,342 | +58.4%†
3  | FC Tokyo | 408,623  | 37,805  | 11,488  | 24,037 | −16.5%†
4  | Yokohama F. Marinos | 408,072  | 46,413  | 7,033  | 24,004 | −0.9%†
5  | Kawasaki Frontale | 376,305  | 26,612  | 14,432  | 22,136 | +5.4%†
6  | Albirex Niigata | 327,923  | 29,692  | 14,627  | 21,181 | −9.7%†
7  | Kashima Antlers | 360,076  | 31,636  | 6,696  | 19,103 | +16.3%†
8  | Nagoya Grampus | 301,396  | 30,282  | 7,980  | 17,729 | +9.2%†
9  | Vissel Kobe | 289,310  | 25,722  | 11,212  | 17,018 | +4.6%†
10  | Vegalta Sendai | 262,937  | 19,315  | 12,504  | 15,467 | +12.2%†
11  | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 262,888  | 25,845  | 8,602  | 15,464 | −5.6%†
12  | Júbilo Iwata | 248,381  | 24,896  | 10,416  | 14,611 | +45.5%†
13  | Avispa Fukuoka | 218,576  | 19,370  | 5,870  | 12,857 | +47.2%†
14  | Sagan Tosu | 214,814  | 20,219  | 6,499  | 12,636 | −6.1%†
15  | Omiya Ardija | 200,834  | 13,880  | 9,480  | 11,814 | +24.5%†
16  | Shonan Bellmare | 196,012  | 14,419  | 8,052  | 11,530 | −5.6%†
17  | Ventforet Kofu | 184,161  | 15,508  | 7,011  | 10,833 | −4.1%†
18  | Kashiwa Reysol | 182,374  | 13,977  | 7,090  | 10,728 | −1.7%†
| League total  | 5,498,222  | 56,841  | 5,870  | 17,968 | +1.0%†

Updated to games played on 3 November 2016
Source: J. League Data
Notes:
† Team played previous season in J2.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "来季新監督について ｜Reysol News". Blog.reysol.co.jp. Archived from the original on 2015-11-01. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
2. ^ "ニュース｜名古屋グランパス公式サイト". Nagoya-grampus.jp. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
3. ^ "アルビレックス新潟 公式サイト – ALBIREX NIIGATA OFFICIAL WEBSITE". Albirex.co.jp. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
4. ^ "城福浩 氏 監督就任のお知らせ ｜ F.C.TOKYO". Fctokyo.co.jp. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
5. ^ "チームニュース- NEWS – サガン鳥栖". Sagan-tosu.net. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
6. ^ "チームニュース- NEWS – サガン鳥栖". Sagan-tosu.net. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
7. ^ "監督交代のお知らせ｜Reysol News". Blog.reysol.co.jp. Archived from the original on 2016-03-12. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
8. ^ "FC Tokyo dismiss manager Jofuku｜J.League News". Jleague.jp. 2016-07-25. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
9. ^ "Tokyo coach Shinoda appointed manager｜J.League News". Jleague.jp. 2016-07-27. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
10. ^ "小倉隆史GM兼監督 休養のお知らせ". Nagoya-grampus.jp (in Japanese). 2016-08-23. Retrieved 2016-08-26.
11. ^ "Player registration and contracts". J.League. Archived from the original on 2014-09-11. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
12. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-10-01. Retrieved 2015-04-24.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
13. ^ "News".

* v
* t
* e

2016 in Japanese football

« 2015

2017 »

| League competitions|

| Men|

* J1 League
* J2 League
* J3 League
* Japan Football League
* Regional Leagues

|

Women|

* L.League

Cup competitions|

| Men|

* Emperor's Cup (Final)
* J.League Cup (Final)
* Super Cup

|

Women|

* Empress's Cup (Final)
* Nadeshiko League Cup (Final)

AFC competitions|

| Men|

* AFC Champions League
* FIFA Club World Cup
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|

Related to national teams|

| Men|

* Summary
* Qualification for the FIFA World Cup
* Qualification for the AFC Asian Cup

|

Women|

* Summary
* Olympic qualifying tournament

Youth|

* Summer Olympics (U-23) qualification and AFC U-23 Championship
* AFC U-19 Championship and qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup
* AFC U-16 Championship and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup
* FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
* FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup

Club seasons

J1 League|

* Vegalta Sendai
* Kashima Antlers
* Urawa Red Diamonds
* Omiya Ardija
* Kashiwa Reysol
* FC Tokyo
* Kawasaki Frontale
* Yokohama F. Marinos
* Shonan Bellmare
* Ventforet Kofu
* Albirex Niigata
* Júbilo Iwata
* Nagoya Grampus
* Gamba Osaka
* Vissel Kobe
* Sanfrecce Hiroshima
* Avispa Fukuoka
* Sagan Tosu

J2 League|

* Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
* Montedio Yamagata
* Mito HollyHock
* Thespakusatsu Gunma
* JEF United Chiba
* Tokyo Verdy
* FC Machida Zelvia
* Yokohama FC
* Matsumoto Yamaga FC
* Zweigen Kanazawa
* Shimizu S-Pulse
* FC Gifu
* Kyoto Sanga FC
* Cerezo Osaka
* Fagiano Okayama
* Renofa Yamaguchi FC
* Kamatamare Sanuki
* Tokushima Vortis
* Ehime FC
* Giravanz Kitakyushu
* V-Varen Nagasaki
* Roasso Kumamoto

J3 League|

* Grulla Morioka
* Blaublitz Akita
* Fukushima United FC
* Tochigi SC
* YSCC Yokohama
* SC Sagamihara
* AC Nagano Parceiro
* Kataller Toyama
* Fujieda MYFC
* Gainare Tottori
* Oita Trinita
* Kagoshima United FC
* FC Ryukyu
* FC Tokyo U-23
* Gamba Osaka U-23
* Cerezo Osaka U-23

* Winter transfers
* Summer transfers

* v
* t
* e

J.League

Champions (J1 League · J2 League · J3 League) · Records and statistics · Historical goals

Seasons|

| J1 League seasons
(1993–present)|

* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
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* 2009
* 2010
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* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
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|

J2 League seasons
(1999–present)|

* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
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J3 League seasons
(2014–present)|

* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
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* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
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Clubs|

| J1 League|

* Albirex Niigata
* Avispa Fukuoka
* Cerezo Osaka
* Fagiano Okayama
* Gamba Osaka
* Kashima Antlers
* Kashiwa Reysol
* Kawasaki Frontale
* Kyoto Sanga FC
* FC Machida Zelvia
* Nagoya Grampus
* Sanfrecce Hiroshima
* Shimizu S-Pulse
* Shonan Bellmare
* FC Tokyo
* Tokyo Verdy
* Urawa Red Diamonds
* Vissel Kobe
* Yokohama F. Marinos
* Yokohama FC

|

J2 League|

* Blaublitz Akita
* Ehime FC
* Fujieda MYFC
* Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
* FC Imabari
* Iwaki FC
* JEF United Chiba
* Júbilo Iwata
* Kataller Toyama
* Mito HollyHock
* Montedio Yamagata
* Oita Trinita
* Omiya Ardija
* Renofa Yamaguchi FC
* Roasso Kumamoto
* Sagan Tosu
* Tokushima Vortis
* V-Varen Nagasaki
* Vegalta Sendai
* Ventforet Kofu

J3 League|

* AC Nagano Parceiro
* Azul Claro Numazu
* Fukushima United FC
* Gainare Tottori
* FC Gifu
* Giravanz Kitakyushu
* Kagoshima United FC
* Kamatamare Sanuki
* Kochi United SC
* Matsumoto Yamaga FC
* Nara Club
* FC Osaka
* FC Ryukyu
* SC Sagamihara
* Tegevajaro Miyazaki
* Thespa Gunma
* Tochigi City FC
* Tochigi SC
* Vanraure Hachinohe
* Zweigen Kanazawa

Former|

* YSCC Yokohama
* Yokohama Flügels
* J.League U-22 Selection
* Iwate Grulla Morioka
* FC Tokyo U-23
* Gamba Osaka U-23
* Cerezo Osaka U-23

Players|

* Designated special players (DSP)
* Foreign J.League players

Managers|

* J.League managers
* current

Referees|

* J.League referees

Awards (Monthly MVP · MVP Award · Best XI · Top Scorer · Rookie of the Year · Manager of the Year)

* v
* t
* e

Japanese club football

First-tier club football seasons, 1965–present

| Japan Soccer League
1965–1992
Japan Soccer League Division 1
since 1972|

* 1965
* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985–86
* 1986–87
* 1987–88
* 1988–89
* 1989–90
* 1990–91
* 1991–92

|

J.League
1993–present
J.League Division 1/J1 League
since 1999|

* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

* List of champions
* J.League Championship
* Promotion / Relegation series
* Super Cup

Second-tier club football seasons, 1972–present

| Japan Soccer League Division 2
1972–1992|

* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985–86
* 1986–87
* 1987–88
* 1988–89
* 1989–90
* 1990–91
* 1991–92

|

(former) Japan Football League
1992–1998
(former) Japan Football League Division 1
1992–1993|

* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998

J2 League
1999–present|

* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

* List of champions
* Promotion / Relegation series

Third-tier club football seasons, 1992–93, 1999–present

| (former) Japan Football League Division 2
1992–93|

* 1992
* 1993

|

* No national third tier, 1994–1998

Japan Football League
1999–2013|

* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013

J3 League
2014–present|

* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

List of champions

Fourth-tier club football seasons, 2014–present

| Japan Football League
2014–present|

* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

|

Regional level club football seasons, 1966–present

| Japanese Regional Leagues
1966–present|

* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

|

* Regional Champions League
* Shakaijin Cup

Emperor's Cup seasons, 1921–present

| Emperor's Cup
1921–present|

* 1921
* 1922
* 1923
* 1924
* 1925
* ~~1926~~
* 1927
* 1928
* 1929
* 1930
* 1931
* 1932
* 1933
* ~~1934~~
* 1935
* 1936
* 1937
* 1938
* 1939
* 1940
* WW II
* 1946
* ~~1947~~
* ~~1948~~
* 1949
* 1950
* 1951
* 1952
* 1953
* 1954
* 1955
* 1956
* 1957
* 1958
* 1959
* 1960
* 1961
* 1962
* 1963
* 1964
* 1965
* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

|

Super Cup

League Cup seasons, 1976–present

| JSL Cup
1976–1991|

* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991

|

J.League Cup
1992–present|

* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Suruga Bank Championship

Football clubs in Japan, 2025

| J1 League|

* Albirex Niigata
* Avispa Fukuoka
* Cerezo Osaka
* Fagiano Okayama
* Gamba Osaka
* Kashima Antlers
* Kashiwa Reysol
* Kawasaki Frontale
* Kyoto Sanga FC
* FC Machida Zelvia
* Nagoya Grampus
* Sanfrecce Hiroshima
* Shimizu S-Pulse
* Shonan Bellmare
* FC Tokyo
* Tokyo Verdy
* Urawa Red Diamonds
* Vissel Kobe
* Yokohama F. Marinos
* Yokohama FC

|

J2 League|

* Blaublitz Akita
* Ehime FC
* Fujieda MYFC
* Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
* FC Imabari
* Iwaki FC
* JEF United Chiba
* Júbilo Iwata
* Kataller Toyama
* Mito HollyHock
* Montedio Yamagata
* Oita Trinita
* Omiya Ardija
* Renofa Yamaguchi FC
* Roasso Kumamoto
* Sagan Tosu
* Tokushima Vortis
* V-Varen Nagasaki
* Vegalta Sendai
* Ventforet Kofu

J3 League|

* AC Nagano Parceiro
* Azul Claro Numazu
* FC Gifu
* Fukushima United FC
* Gainare Tottori
* Giravanz Kitakyushu
* Kagoshima United FC
* Kamatamare Sanuki
* Kochi United
* Matsumoto Yamaga FC
* Nara Club
* FC Osaka
* FC Ryukyu
* SC Sagamihara
* Tegevajaro Miyazaki
* Thespa Gunma
* Tochigi City
* Tochigi SC
* Vanraure Hachinohe
* Zweigen Kanazawa

100 Year Plan clubs|

* Criacao Shinjuku
* Nankatsu SC
* Tokyo 23
* Vonds Ichihara

Japan Football League|

* Asuka FC
* Atletico Suzuka Club
* Briobecca Urayasu Ichikawa
* Criacao Shinjuku
* Honda FC
* Iwate Grulla Morioka
* Maruyasu Okazaki
* Minebea Mitsumi
* Okinawa SV
* Reilac Shiga
* ReinMeer Aomori
* FC Tiamo Hirakata
* Veertien Mie
* Verspah Oita
* Yokogawa Musashino
* YSCC Yokohama

Defunct clubs
(clubs belonging to
nationwide leagues only)|

* Sony Sendai
* Fukushima FC
* Arte Takasaki
* JEF Reserves
* Sagawa Express Tokyo
* NKK SC
* Yokohama Flügels
* ALO's Hokuriku
* Jatco SC
* Hagoromo Club
* Toyota Higashi-Fuji
* Seino Transportation
* Cosmo Oil Yokkaichi
* Sagawa Shiga
* NTT Kinki/Kansai
* SP Kyoto
* Tanabe Pharmaceutical
* Dainichi Cable Industries
* Sagawa Express Osaka
* Eidai SC
* Kagura Shimane
* Teijin SC
* Nippon Steel Yawata
* Tosu Futures
* Profesor Miyazaki
* J.League U-22 Selection
* FC Tokyo U-23
* Cerezo Osaka U-23
* Gamba Osaka U-23

* v
* t
* e

2016 in Asian football (AFC)

« 2015

2017 »

Domestic leagues|

* Australia
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Bahrain
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Bangladesh
* Bhutan
* Brunei
* Cambodia
* China
* Chinese Taipei
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* East Timor
* Guam
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Hong Kong
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* India
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Indonesia
* Iran
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Iraq
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Japan
* Jordan
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Korea DPR
* Korea Republic
* Kuwait
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Kyrgyzstan
* Laos
* Lebanon
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Macau
* Malaysia
* Maldives
* Mongolia
* Myanmar
* Northern Mariana Islands
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Oman
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Palestine
* West Bank
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Gaza Strip
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Philippines
* Qatar
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Saudi Arabia
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Singapore
* Sri Lanka
* '16–'17
* Syria
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Tajikistan
* Thailand
* Turkmenistan
* UAE
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Uzbekistan
* Vietnam
* Yemen
* '15–'16
* '16–'17

Domestic cups|

* Australia
* Bahrain
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Bangladesh
* Independence Cup
* Federation Cup
* Brunei
* Cambodia
* China
* East Timor
* Guam
* Hong Kong
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* India
* Iran
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Iraq
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Japan
* '15 (final)
* '16
* Jordan
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Korea DPR
* Hwaebul Cup
* Man'gyŏngdae Prize
* Osandŏk Prize
* Paektusan Prize
* Poch'ŏnbo Torch Prize
* Korea Republic
* Kuwait
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Kyrgyzstan
* Laos
* Lebanon
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Macau
* Malaysia
* Maldives
* Mongolia
* Myanmar
* Nepal
* Oman
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Pakistan
* Palestine
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Qatar
* Saudi Arabia
* Singapore
* Sri Lanka
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Syria
* Tajikistan
* Thailand
* Turkmenistan
* UAE
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Uzbekistan
* Vietnam
* Yemen

League cups|

* Bahrain
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Hong Kong
* Shield
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* League Cup
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* India
* Shield
* Durand Cup
* Japan
* Jordan
* Kuwait
* KF Cup
* '15–'16
* CP Cup
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Lebanon
* Malaysia
* Maldives
* Oman
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Philippines
* Qatar
* Saudi Arabia
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Singapore
* Thailand
* UAE
* '15–'16
* '16–'17
* Uzbekistan

Super Cups|

* Bahrain
* East Timor
* China
* Iran
* Iraq
* Japan
* Jordan
* Lebanon
* Kuwait
* Malaysia
* Oman
* Qatar
* Saudi Arabia
* Singapore
* Tajikistan
* Thailand
* UAE
* Uzbekistan
* Vietnam

Regional club competitions|

* ~~2016 GCC Club Cup~~
* 2016 Mekong Club Championship
* 2017 Arab Club Championship

AFC club competitions|

* AFC Champions League
* Qualifying play-off
* Group stage
* Knockout stage
* Final
* AFC Cup
* Qualifying play-off
* Group stage
* Knockout stage
* Final
* 2017 AFC Cup qualifying round

National team competitions|

* 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
* 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification
* 2016 AFC Solidarity Cup
* 2016 AFC U-23 Championship
* 2016 AFC U-19 Championship
* 2016 AFC U-16 Championship
* 2017 AFC U-19 Women's Championship qualification
* 2017 AFC U-16 Women's Championship qualification
* 2016 AFF Championship
* 2016 King's Cup
* 2016 Kirin Cup
* 2016 AYA Bank Cup

*[Pos]: Position
*[Pld]: Played
*[W]: Won
*[D]: Drawn
*[L]: Lost
*[GF]: Goals for
*[GA]: Goals against
*[GD]: Goal difference
*[Pts]: Points
*[Total]: Total season attendance
*[High]: Highest season attendance
*[Low]: Lowest season attendance
*[Average]: Average season attendance
*[Change]: Change in average attendance in comparison with the previous season
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template