J2 League

Football league

J2 League

Organising body| J.League
Founded| 1999; 24 years ago (1999)
Country| Japan
Confederation| AFC
Number of teams| 22 (20 from 2024)
Level on pyramid| 2
Promotion to| J1 League
Relegation to| J3 League
Domestic cup(s)| Emperor's Cup
Current champions| Machida Zelvia (1st title)
(2023)
Most championships| Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo (3 titles)
TV partners| DAZN
YouTube
Website| Official website (in English)
Current: 2024 J2 League

The J2 League (Japanese: J2リーグ, Hepburn: J2 Rīgu) or simply J2 is the second division of the Japan Professional Football League (日本プロサッカーリーグ, Nihon Puro Sakkā Rīgu) and the second level of the Japanese association football league system. The top tier is represented by the J1 League. It (along with the rest of the J.League) is currently sponsored by Meiji Yasuda Life and it is thus officially known as the Meiji Yasuda J2 League (Japanese: 明治安田生命J2リーグ).[2] Until the 2014 season it was named the J.League Division 2.

Second-tier club football has existed in Japan since 1972 during the JSL era; however, it was only professionalized during the 1999 season with ten clubs. The league took one relegating club from the top division and nine clubs from the second-tier semi-professional former JFL to create the J2 League. The remaining seven clubs in the Japan Football League, the newly formed Yokohama FC, and one promoting club from the Regional Leagues, formed the nine-club JFL, then the third tier of Japanese football. The third tier is now represented by the J3 League.

## History[edit]

For a history of Japanese club football before the inception of the professional league in 1993, see Japan Soccer League. For a detailed history of the J1 League, see J1 League § History.

### Phases of Japanese second-tier association football[edit]

#### Amateur era (until 1999)[edit]

A national second tier of Japanese association football was first established in 1972, when the Japan Soccer League formed a Second Division. Among the founding 10 clubs, 5 later competed in the J.League: Toyota Motors (inaugural champions), Yomiuri, Fujitsu, Kyoto Shiko Club and Kofu Club. The new division consisted of 10 clubs, like the First Division, and initially required both the champions and runners-up teams to play off a promotion/relegation series of test matches against the top flight's bottom clubs. The requirement was abolished for the champions in 1980, and for the runners-up in 1984.

Prior to 1977, the way for clubs to gain access to the Second Division was by making the finals of the All Japan Senior Football Championship and then playing off in their own promotion/relegation series against the second tier's bottom clubs. After 1977, the new Regional Football League Competition served as provider of aspiring League clubs. In 1985, the Second Division increased to 12 clubs and in 1986, the number reached 16. Until 1989, the table was divided into East and West groups, depending on geographical location; after that year and until 1992 the table was unified.

In 1992, following the formation of the J.League, the JSL Second Division was renamed the (former) Japan Football League. The league was divided into two hierarchical, unequal divisions of 10 clubs each. In 1994, the JFL was again reunified into a single division. As the J.League expanded in numbers, the need for another second tier with promotion and relegation arose, as the number of clubs which wanted to become professional increased (particularly in the case of Shonan Bellmare, Kashiwa Reysol, Cerezo Osaka and Júbilo Iwata, who had been JSL First Division champions but had not been chosen for the inaugural J.League season).

#### Professionalization era (1999–2004)[edit]

The infrastructure of the league was heavily changed in 1999. The new division acquired nine clubs from the semi-professional JFL and one relegated club from J.League to create a two-division system, both being the professional leagues. The top flight became the J.League Division 1 (J1) with 16 clubs while J.League Division 2 (J2) was launched with ten clubs in 1999. The second-tier (former) Japan Football League became the third-tier Japan Football League at that time.

The criteria for becoming a J2 club were not as strict as those for the top division. This allowed smaller cities and towns to maintain a club successfully without investing as much as clubs in J1. In fact, clubs like Mito HollyHock only draw an average of 3,000 fans a game and receive minimal sponsorship, yet still field fairly competitive teams in J2.

Clubs in J2 took time to build their teams for J1 promotion, as they also tried to gradually improve their youth systems, their home stadium, their financial status, and their relationship with their hometown. Clubs such as Oita Trinita, Albirex Niigata, Kawasaki Frontale, and Ventforet Kofu accomplished this successfully. All these clubs originally started as J2 in 1999 and were comparatively small, but they eventually earned J1 promotion, in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 respectively. Even though Kofu and Ōita were later relegated back to Division 2, they are well-established association football clubs, managing to average 10,000 fans per game.

The league also began to follow European game formats, as time went on. In the first three seasons (1999–2001), games were played with extra time for regular league matches if there was no winner at end of the regulation. The extra time was abolished in 2002, and the league adopted the standard 3-1-0 points system.

#### Early expansion era (2004–2009)[edit]

Two Japan Football League clubs, Mito HollyHock and Yokohama FC joined the J2 League in the 2000 and 2001 seasons. Mito initially tried in the 1999 season, but failed, having better luck the following year. On the other hand, Yokohama FC was formed by the fans of Yokohama Flügels, who went defunct after the merger with Yokohama F. Marinos on 1 January 1999. In essence, these two clubs could and should have joined the league in the inaugural year with the original ten clubs, and it was inevitable that they were eventually accepted by the league.

However, besides these two clubs, it seemed that there was no interest from the lower-level clubs; the second division did not see any further expansion for a few seasons. In 2004, however, two clubs showed interest as Thespa Kusatsu and Tokushima Vortis were accepted to the league. Two years later, in the 2006 season, Ehime FC followed in their footsteps. It turned out that many clubs were aiming for membership at the professional level. However, in the early 2000s, these clubs were still in the regional leagues, and it took them three to four years to even eye professionalism.

Clearly, the concept of second-tier professional association football – the fact that clubs can compete at the professional level with low budgets, was something that attracted many amateur clubs across the Japanese nation. At the beginning of the 2006 season, the league took a survey to determine the number of non-league clubs interested in joining the professional league. The results showed that about 40 to 60 clubs in Japan had plans to professionalize over the next 30 years. From the league's perspective, the J.League 'Hundred Year Vision' from the late 90s has been moving in a positive direction.

In light of this, league management formed a committee and looked at two practical options for further expansion – either expand the second division or form a third division. In other words, the league had a choice between letting the non-league clubs achieve the J2 standard, or forming a third division with non-league clubs, where these clubs can prepare for J2. After conducting several case studies, the committee made a professional assessment that it was in the best interest of the league to expand the J2 to 22 clubs rather than form a third division. Several reasons led the committee to this decision:

* The Japan Football League, then the third tier in the Japanese football league system, was already serving the purpose of preparing the non-league clubs.
* At the time, most non-league clubs interested in professionalism were still in the regional or prefectural leagues, two to four levels below J2.
* Twenty-two clubs is the perfect number for the J2 league, as it allows enough home games for annual revenue, while keeping the competition a fair double-round-robin format.
* Most European leagues have similar association football pyramids, where there are more clubs in 2nd and 3rd-tier leagues than in the top flight.

The committee also reintroduced Associate Membership System in the 2006 season. This allowed the committee to identify interested non-league clubs and provide necessary resources to them. The membership was exclusively given to non-league clubs that had intentions of joining the J.League, while meeting most of the criteria for J2 promotion. Several clubs in the Japan Football League and Regional Leagues have applied for and received membership. Associate members finishing in the top 4 of the JFL were promoted to J2. Following the promotion of Ehime FC, six more clubs joined J2 League through this system.

As the number of clubs increased, the league format changed from a quadruple round-robin to a triple round-robin format. This was adopted during the 2008 season with 15 clubs and the 2009 season with 18 clubs. In 2009, the J2 league also saw an increase in promotion slots to three, to accommodate the eighteen-club league. As a result, the Promotion/relegation Series, which allowed the third-place J2 clubs to fight for J1 slots for the following season, was abolished, after its introduction in the 2004 season.

#### Introduction of double round-robin (2010–2011)[edit]

When the league reached 19 clubs in the 2010 season, the J2 League adopted the double round-robin format. The league continued to expand to 22 clubs, and until then there was no relegation to the Japan Football League. In the next few seasons, the maximum number of clubs that could be promoted to J2 was decided by taking the difference of twenty-two minus the number of clubs in J2.

#### End of expansion and J2 Playoffs (2012–present)[edit]

When the league reached 22 clubs, two new regulations were introduced. Only the top two clubs earn automatic promotion, while clubs from 3rd to 6th entered playoffs for the final third promotion slot, as in the English Football League Championship, Serie B, or Segunda División.[citation needed] However, the rules will be heavily slanted to favor those with higher league placement:

* The team third in the standings will face the sixth place team, and the fourth place team will face the fifth, as in the European leagues; however, unlike these leagues, the round will be only one match, at the home side of the higher placed team.
* The winners of the two matches meet at the home side of the higher placed team, or potentially at a neutral venue (likely Tokyo National Stadium). The winner of this match is promoted to J1.
* In all matches, in case of a draw after regulation time, the team that ended the season with the higher placement in the league table will be considered the winner, so there will be no extra time and/or penalty shootout.
* If teams ineligible for promotion finished above sixth, they will not be allowed to participate in the playoffs. Instead, the highest ranked team(s) will receive byes.

Also starting in 2012, at most two clubs can be relegated to the lower tier (for 2012 season only, Japan Football League; from 2013, J3 League), depending on how that league finished.

#### Current plans (2013–present)[edit]

Starting in 2013, a club licensing system was implemented. Clubs failing to fulfill this licensing requirement can be relegated to the third tier, regardless of their league position. The third-tier league, J3 League, was established in 2014, targeting teams having ambitions to reach the J.League. The structure of J2 is likely to remain stable.

Since 2017, two clubs are promoted from and relegated to J3[3] and starting in 2018, the J2 playoffs winner plays against the 16th-placed J1 club[4] after discussions were held during the prior season.[5] Until 2022, if the J2 playoff winner prevailed, the club was promoted, with the J1 club being relegated, otherwise the J1 club could retain its position in J1 with the promotion failure of the J2 club.

From the 2023 season onwards, the J2 playoff winner will be directly promoted to the J1, without the need to play a match against a J1 League team in order to be promoted. From 2024, the three bottom-placed teams will be automatically relegated to J3.[6]

### Timeline[edit]

Year  | Important Events  | # J2
Clubs  | Prom.
Slots  | Rel.
Slots

|
|
|
|

1999 |

* The J.League adopts two divisions, as nine clubs from the former Japan Football League join Division 2, along with the relegated Consadole Sapporo: Montedio Yamagata, Vegalta Sendai, Omiya Ardija, Kawasaki Frontale, Ventforet Kofu, Sagan Tosu, FC Tokyo, Albirex Niigata, and Oita Trinita
* The Japan Football League is also restructured, as it becomes the third-tier Japan Football League (JFL).

Note: To distinguish between the former and the current JFL, the new JFL is pronounced Nihon Football League in Japanese.
| 10  | 2  | 0
2000 |

* Mito HollyHock is promoted from Japan Football League

| 11
2001 |

* Yokohama FC is promoted from Japan Football League

| 12
2002 |

* Extra time is abolished in Division 2 and traditional 3-1-0 points system is adopted

2003 |
2004 |

* Inception of the two-legged Promotion/relegation Series as the top flight expands to 18 clubs in the following season

| 2.5
2005 |

* J.League Division 1 expands to 18 clubs (No relegated clubs from the 2004 J1 season)
* Tokushima Vortis and Thespa Kusatsu are promoted from Japan Football League

2006 |

* Ehime FC is promoted from Japan Football League
* Away goals rule is adopted in Promotion/relegation Series
* The league forms J.League expansion committee and reintroduces J.League Associate Membership

| 13
2007 |
2008 |

* Two clubs are promoted from Japan Football League: Roasso Kumamoto and FC Gifu
* Division 2 adopts the triple-round-robin format from quadruple-round-robin

| 15
2009 |

* Three clubs are promoted from Japan Football League: Tochigi SC, Kataller Toyama and Fagiano Okayama
* Promotion/relegation Series is eliminated and the third-place club now receives automatic promotion to J1

| 18  | 3
2010 |

* One club is promoted from Japan Football League: Giravanz Kitakyushu
* Division 2 adopts the double-round-robin format from triple-round-robin

| 19
2011 |

* One club is promoted from Japan Football League: Gainare Tottori

| 20
2012 |

* Matsumoto Yamaga and Machida Zelvia are promoted from Japan Football League[7]
* The playoff system for the third promotion spot is introduced
* Conditional relegation to Japan Football League is introduced. Machida Zelvia became the first club to be relegated from Division 2.

| 22  | 1
2013 |

* One club is promoted from Japan Football League: V-Varen Nagasaki
* Gainare Tottori became the first club to be relegated to the new J3 League after losing the promotion/relegation Series to Kamatamare Sanuki, the last team to get promoted from the Japan Football League.

| 0.5
2014 |

* Kataller Toyama has been relegated to J3, and Kamatamare Sanuki played and won the first promotion/relegation Series with the J3 runners-up. Zweigen Kanazawa becomes the first team to be promoted from J3.

| 1.5
2015 |

* Tochigi SC has been relegated to the J3, and Oita Trinita played and lost their first promotion/relegation Series with the J3 runners-up. Renofa Yamaguchi and runners-up Machida Zelvia are promoted from J3.

2016 |

* Giravanz Kitakyushu has been relegated to J3, and Zweigen Kanazawa played and won their first promotion/relegation Series with the J3 runners-up, Tochigi SC. Oita Trinita is promoted from J3.

2017 |

* Starting this season, there are two promotions from and two relegations to J3.
* Thespakusatsu Gunma is relegated to J3, Tochigi SC is promoted.

| 2
2018 |

* The promotion-relegation playoff is reintroduced, to be played as one match only.
* Roasso Kumamoto and Kamatamare Sanuki are relegated, FC Ryukyu and Kagoshima United are promoted from J3

| 2.5
2019 |

* Kagoshima United and FC Gifu are relegated, Giravanz Kitakyushu and Thespakusatsu Gunma are promoted from J3

2020 |

* No relegations from J2. Blaublitz Akita and SC Sagamihara are promoted from J3

| 2  | 0
2021 |

* SC Sagamihara, Ehime FC, Giravanz Kitakyushu, and Matsumoto Yamaga are relegated, Roasso Kumamoto and Iwate Grulla Morioka are promoted from J3

| 4
2022 |

* FC Ryukyu, Iwate Grulla Morioka are relegated, Iwaki FC and Fujieda MYFC are promoted from J3

| 2.5  | 2
2023 |

* J.League abolishes entry playoff, reinstates promotion playoffs
* League reduced to 20 clubs from 2024 since 2011

| 3
2024  |

* The three worst-placed teams will be directly relegated to J3.

| 20  | 3

## Stance in the Japanese football pyramid[edit]

Main article: Japanese association football league system

Since the inception of the second division in 1999, promotion and relegation follow a pattern similar to European leagues, where the two bottom clubs of J1 and the top two clubs of J2 are guaranteed to move. From the 2004 to the 2008 season, the third-place J2 club entered a Promotion/relegation Series against the sixteenth-place J1 club, with the winner playing in the top flight in the following year. Starting after the 2009 season, the top three J2 clubs received J1 promotion by default, replacing three relegated bottom J1 clubs. However, promotion or the right to play the now-defunct pro/rele series relied on the J2 clubs meeting the requirements for J1 franchise status set by the league. This was not a hindrance, in fact, as no club has been denied promotion due to not meeting the J1 criteria.

The J3 League is currently the third level in the association football system, supplanting the Japan Football League (JFL) which is now one step lower in the system. Being a professional league, the J.League allows only certain clubs from J3 to be promoted. In 2000, 2001, and 2006 the JFL league champions was promoted to J2; in 2005 two teams were promoted. From 2007, the league requires J.League Associate Membership and at least a fourth-place finish in JFL (J3 from 2013) to be promoted to J2. Currently, there are two relegations from J2 to J3. Since 1999, a total of sixteen clubs from JFL (later J3) have been promoted to J2, two of which were expanded into J1. Currently, J1 has 18 clubs and J2 has 22 clubs. Division two expanded to 22 clubs from 20; regular promotion and relegation is in place.

Since its inception in 1999, the format of J2 has been consistent. Clubs played a quadruple round-robin (two home and away) format during the 1999 to 2007 seasons. To accommodate the ongoing expansion process, a triple round-robin format was implemented during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Until the 2001 season, the clubs played extra time if they were tied after regulation and the clubs received three points for a regulation win, two points for an extra time win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss (there were no penalties). However, starting in 2002, the league abolished extra time and set the points system to the standard three-one-nil system.

The number of clubs reached 19 in 2010 and the league format was changed to a double round-robin one. The number of teams in the league increased to 20 in 2011 and 22 in 2012, where it had remained since then until the 2023 season. From 2024, the number of teams in each professional league will be levelled to 20.

## Crest[edit]

* Former logo

* The logo that was used from 2015 to 2018

## 2023 season[edit]

### League format[edit]

Main article: 2023 J2 League

Twenty-two clubs play in double round-robin format, a total of 42 games each. A club receives three points for a win, one point for a tie, and no points for a loss. The clubs are ranked by points, and tie breakers are, in the following order:

* Goal difference
* Goals scored
* Head-to-head results
* Disciplinary points

A draw would be conducted, if necessary. However, if two clubs are tied at first place, both clubs will be declared champions. Two top clubs will be directly promoted to J1, and the third spot will be decided in the playoff series among clubs placed third to sixth. The team that wins this series will also be promoted for the next J1 season. Note that in order to participate in the playoffs a club must possess a J1 license; if one or more clubs fail to do so, they are not allowed in the playoffs and will not be replaced by other clubs.

The relegation to the lower tier J3 League will depend on the number and final standings of promotion-eligible clubs that possess a J2 license. Up to two clubs can be exchanged between two leagues, with direct promotion/relegation between the two bottom-place J2 teams (21st and 22nd) and top two J3 teams (champion and runner-up). If one or both J3 promotion candidates fail to obtain a J2 license, they will not be allowed to promote and J2 relegation spots will be cut accordingly.

Prize money

* First place: 20,000,000 yen
* Second place: 10,000,000 yen
* Third place: 5,000,000 yen

### Participating clubs (2023)[edit]

Albirex Niigata

Blaublitz Akita

Ehime

Okayama

Kanazawa

Kyoto

Iwata

Matsumoto

Yamaguchi

Nagasaki

Giravanz
Kitakyushu

FC Ryukyu

Yamagata

Ventforet Kofu

Greater Tokyo Area

† Greater Tokyo teams
Mito HollyHock
JEF United Ichihara Chiba
Omiya Ardija
FC Machida Zelvia
SC Sagamihara
Tokyo Verdy
Tochigi SC
Thespakusatsu Gunma

class=notpageimage|

Locations of the 2022 J2 League teams

Mito

Chiba

Omiya Ardija

Machida

SC Sagamihara

Tokyo

Tochigi SC

Gunma

class=notpageimage|

Greater Tokyo Area J2 League teams

Club name  | Year joined  | Seasons
in J2  | Based in  | First season
in D2  | Seasons
in D2  | Current spell
in D2  | Last spell in
top flight

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Blaublitz Akita | 2014 (J3)  | 1  | All cities/towns in Akita | 1985  | 3  | 2021–  | –
Fagiano Okayama | 2009  | 13  | All cities/towns in Okayama | 2009  | 13  | 2009–  | –
Fujieda MYFC | 2014 (J3)  | 0  | Central cities/towns in Shizuoka | 2023  | 0  | 2023–  | –
Iwaki FC | 2022 (J3)  | 0  | Iwaki and Futaba District, Fukushima | 2023  | 0  | 2023–  | –
JEF United Chiba | 1993 (J)  | 12  | Chiba & Ichihara, Chiba | 2010  | 12  | 2010–  | 1965–2009
Júbilo Iwata | 1994 (J)  | 24  | Iwata, Shizuoka | 1979  | 33  | 2023–  | 2022
Machida Zelvia | 2012  | 6  | Machida, Tokyo | 2012  | 6  | 2016–  | –
Mito HollyHock | 2000  | 21  | Mito, Ibaraki | 1997  | 23  | 2000–  | –
Montedio Yamagata | 1999  | 19  | All cities/towns in Yamagata | 1994  | 24  | 2016–  | 2015
Oita Trinita | 1999  | 12  | Ōita | 1996  | 15  | 2022–  | 2019–2021
Omiya Ardija | 1999  | 11  | Saitama | 1987/88  | 21  | 2018–  | 2016–2017
Renofa Yamaguchi | 2015 (J3)  | 6  | All cities/towns in Yamaguchi | 2016  | 6  | 2016–  | –
Roasso Kumamoto | 2008  | 11  | Kumamoto | 2008  | 11  | 2022–  | –
Shimizu S-Pulse | 1993 (J)  | 28  | Shizuoka | 2017  | 28  | 2023–  | 2017–2022
Thespakusatsu Gunma | 2005  | 15  | All cities/towns in Gunma | 2005  | 15  | 2020–  | –
Tochigi SC | 2009  | 11  | Utsunomiya, Tochigi | 2009  | 11  | 2018–  | –
Tokushima Vortis | 2005  | 15  | All cities/towns in Tokushima | 1990/91  | 24  | 2022–  | 2021
Tokyo Verdy | 1993 (J)  | 15  | Tokyo  | 1972  | 21  | 2009–  | 2008
V-Varen Nagasaki | 2013  | 8  | All cities/towns in Nagasaki | 2013  | 8  | 2019–  | 2018
Vegalta Sendai | 1999  | 9  | Sendai, Miyagi | 1995  | 13  | 2022–  | 2010–2021
Ventforet Kofu | 1999  | 15  | All cities/towns in Yamanashi | 1972  | 40  | 2018–  | 2013–2017
Zweigen Kanazawa | 2014 (J3)  | 7  | Kanazawa | 2015  | 7  | 2015–  | –

* Gray background denotes club was most recently relegated/demoted from Division 1.
* Pink background denotes club was most recently promoted from J3 League.
* "Year joined" is the year the club joined the J.League (Division 2 unless otherwise indicated).
* "First season in D2", "Seasons in D2", and "Last spell in D2" take into account all past incarnations of second-tier football: the second division of the Japan Soccer League and the former Japan Football League.
* "Last spell in top flight" includes seasons in the old Japan Soccer League First Division.

### Stadiums (2023)[edit]

Main article: List of football stadiums in Japan

See also: Category:Football venues in Japan

Primary venues used in the J2 League:

Blaublitz Akita | Fagiano Okayama | Fujieda MYFC | Iwaki FC | JEF United Chiba | Jubilo Iwata

|
|
|
|
|

Soyu Stadium | City Light Stadium | Fujieda Soccer Stadium | Iwaki Green Field | Fukuda Denshi Arena | Yamaha Stadium
Capacity: 20,125 | Capacity: 20,000 | Capacity: 9,282 | Capacity: 5,600 | Capacity: 18,500 | Capacity: 15,165
|  |  |  |  |
Machida Zelvia | Mito HollyHock | Montedio Yamagata | Oita Trinita | Omiya Ardija | Renofa Yamaguchi
Machida Gion Stadium | K's denki Stadium Mito | ND Soft Stadium | Resonac Dome Oita | NACK5 Stadium Omiya | Ishin Me-Life Stadium
Capacity: 10,600 | Capacity: 12,000 | Capacity: 20,315 | Capacity: 40,000 | Capacity: 15,500 | Capacity: 20,000
|  |  |  |  |
Roasso Kumamoto | Shimizu S-Pulse | Thespakusatsu Gunma | Tochigi SC | Tokushima Vortis | Tokyo Verdy
Egao Kenko Stadium | IAI Stadium Nihondaira | Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma | Kanseki Stadium Tochigi | Pocarisweat Stadium | Ajinomoto Stadium
Capacity: 32,000 | Capacity: 20,248 | Capacity: 15,253 | Capacity: 25,244 | Capacity: 20,441 | Capacity: 49,970
|  |  |  |  |
V-Varen Nagasaki | Vegalta Sendai | Ventforet Kofu | Zweigen Kanazawa
Transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki | Yurtec Stadium Sendai | JIT Recycle Ink Stadium | Ishikawa Kanazawa Stadium
Capacity: 20,246 | Capacity: 19,694 | Capacity: 17,000 | Capacity: 20,000
|  |  |

### Former clubs[edit]

Club  | Year
joined  | Seasons
in J2  | Based in  | First season
in D2  | Seasons
in D2  | Last spell
in D2  | Current
league

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Albirex Niigata | 1999 (J2)  | 4  | Niigata, Niigata | 1999  | 8  | 2018–2022  | J1
Avispa Fukuoka | 1996 (J)  | 16  | Fukuoka | 1991/92  | 20  | 2017–2020  | J1
Cerezo Osaka | 1995 (J)  | 6  | Osaka and Sakai, Osaka | 1991/92  | 10  | 2015–2016  | J1
Consadole Sapporo | 1998 (J)  | 14  | All cities/towns in Hokkaido | 1978  | 31  | 2013–2016  | J1
Ehime FC | 2006  | 16  | All cities/towns in Ehime | 2006  | 16  | 2006–2021  | J3
Gainare Tottori | 2011  | 3  | All cities/towns in Tottori | 2011  | 3  | 2011–2013  | J3
Gamba Osaka | 1993 (J)  | 1  | Suita, Osaka | 1984  | 4  | 2013  | J1
FC Gifu | 2008  | 12  | All cities/towns in Gifu | 2008  | 12  | 2008–2019  | J3
Giravanz Kitakyushu | 2010  | 9  | Kitakyushu, Fukuoka | 2010  | 9  | 2020–2021  | J3
Iwate Grulla Morioka | 2014 (J3)  | 1  | Morioka, Iwate | 2022  | 1  | 2022  | J3
Kagoshima United FC | 2016 (J3)  | 1  | Kagoshima, Kagoshima | 2019  | 1  | 2019  | J3
Kamatamare Sanuki | 2014  | 5  | All cities/towns in Kagawa | 2014  | 5  | 2014–2018  | J3
Kashiwa Reysol | 1995 (J)  | 3  | Kashiwa, Chiba | 1987/88  | 9  | 2019  | J1
Kataller Toyama | 2009  | 6  | All cities/towns in Toyama | 2009  | 6  | 2009–2014  | J3
Kawasaki Frontale | 1999  | 5  | Kawasaki, Kanagawa | 1972  | 25  | 2001–2004  | J1
Kyoto Sanga | 1996 (J)  | 15  | Southwestern cities in Kyoto | 1972  | 28  | 2010–2021  | J1
Matsumoto Yamaga | 2012  | 9  | Central cities/towns in Nagano | 2012  | 9  | 2020–2021  | J3
Nagoya Grampus | 1993 (J)  | 1  | All cities/towns in Aichi | 1972  | 13  | 2017  | J1
FC Ryukyu | 2014 (J3)  | 4  | All cities/towns in Okinawa | 2019  | 4  | 2019–2022  | J3
SC Sagamihara | 2014 (J3)  | 1  | Sagamihara, Kanagawa | 2021  | 1  | 2021  | J3
Sagan Tosu | 1999  | 13  | Tosu, Saga | 1997  | 15  | 1997–2011  | J1
Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 1993 (J)  | 2  | Hiroshima, Hiroshima | 1984  | 7  | 2008  | J1
Shonan Bellmare | 1994 (J)  | 14  | Western cities/towns in Kanagawa | 1990/91  | 18  | 2017  | J1
FC Tokyo | 1999  | 2  | Tokyo  | 1991/92  | 10  | 2011  | J1
Urawa Red Diamonds | 1993 (J)  | 1  | Saitama | 1989/90  | 2  | 2000  | J1
Vissel Kobe | 1997 (J)  | 2  | Kobe, Hyōgo | 1986/87  | 11  | 2013  | J1
Yokohama FC | 2001 (J2)  | 4  | Yokohama, Kanagawa | 2001  | 8  | 2022  | J1

* Pink background denotes clubs that were most recently promoted to J1 League.
* Gray background denotes club that was most recently relegated to J3 League.
* "Year joined" is the year the club joined the J.League (Division 2 unless otherwise indicated).
* "First season in D2", "Seasons in D2", and "Last Spell in D2" take into account all past incarnations of second-tier football: the second division of the Japan Soccer League and the former Japan Football League

## Champions and promotion history[edit]

Main article: List of winners of J2 League and predecessors

The top two clubs receive promotion. From the 2004 season to the 2008 season, the third place club played the Promotion/relegation Series against the 16th-place club in J1. From the 2009 to the 2011 season, the third place club was promoted by default. From 2012 to 2017 and 2023 onwards, the third promotion place is determined by a playoff between the 3rd to 6th actual places. From 2018 to 2019 and 2022, the playoff winners faced off against the 16th place in J1.

Year  | Champions  | Runners-up  | Third place  | Playoff winners

|
|
|
|

1999 | Kawasaki Frontale | FC Tokyo | Oita Trinita | N/A
2000 | Consadole Sapporo | Urawa Red Diamonds | Oita Trinita
2001 | Kyoto Purple Sanga | Vegalta Sendai | Montedio Yamagata
2002 | Oita Trinita | Cerezo Osaka | Albirex Niigata
2003 | Albirex Niigata | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Kawasaki Frontale
2004 | Kawasaki Frontale | Omiya Ardija | Avispa Fukuoka †
2005 | Kyoto Purple Sanga | Avispa Fukuoka | Ventforet Kofu ‡
2006 | Yokohama FC | Kashiwa Reysol | Vissel Kobe ‡
2007 | Consadole Sapporo | Tokyo Verdy 1969 | Kyoto Sanga ‡
2008 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Montedio Yamagata | Vegalta Sendai†
2009 | Vegalta Sendai | Cerezo Osaka | Shonan Bellmare
2010 | Kashiwa Reysol | Ventforet Kofu | Avispa Fukuoka
2011 | FC Tokyo | Sagan Tosu | Consadole Sapporo
2012 | Ventforet Kofu | Shonan Bellmare | Kyoto Sanga | Oita Trinita (6th)
2013 | Gamba Osaka | Vissel Kobe | Kyoto Sanga | Tokushima Vortis (4th)
2014 | Shonan Bellmare | Matsumoto Yamaga | JEF United Chiba | Montedio Yamagata (6th)
2015 | Omiya Ardija | Júbilo Iwata | Avispa Fukuoka (3rd)‡
2016 | Consadole Sapporo | Shimizu S-Pulse | Matsumoto Yamaga | Cerezo Osaka (4th)‡
2017 | Shonan Bellmare | V-Varen Nagasaki | Nagoya Grampus (3rd)‡
2018 | Matsumoto Yamaga | Oita Trinita | Yokohama FC †  | Júbilo Iwata (J1)
2019 | Kashiwa Reysol | Yokohama FC | Omiya Ardija †  | Shonan Bellmare (J1)
2020 | Tokushima Vortis | Avispa Fukuoka | V-Varen Nagasaki | N/A
2021 | Júbilo Iwata | Kyoto Sanga | Ventforet Kofu
2022 | Albirex Niigata | Yokohama FC | Fagiano Okayama †  | Kyoto Sanga (J1)
2023 | Machida Zelvia | Júbilo Iwata | Tokyo Verdy |
2024 |  |  |  |

* Bold designates the promoted club
† Lost the Promotion/relegation Series or entry playoff
‡ Won the Promotion/relegation Series or entry playoff and got promoted

### Most successful clubs[edit]

Clubs in bold compete in J2 as of the 2023 season.

Club  | Winners  | Runners-up  | Promotions  | Winning seasons  | Runners-up seasons  | Promotion seasons

|
|
|
|
|
|

Consadole Sapporo |

| 2000, 2007, 2016  |  | 2000, 2007, 2011, 2016
Shonan Bellmare |

| 2014, 2017  | 2012  | 2009, 2012, 2014, 2017
Kyoto Sanga |

| 2001, 2005  | 2021  | 2001, 2005, 2007, 2021
Kashiwa Reysol |

| 2010, 2019  | 2006  | 2006, 2010, 2019
Kawasaki Frontale |

| 1999, 2004  |  | 1999, 2004
Albirex Niigata |

| 2003, 2022  |  | 2003, 2022
Yokohama FC |

| 2006  | 2019, 2022  | 2006, 2019, 2022
Ventforet Kofu |

| 2012  | 2010  | 2005, 2010, 2012
Oita Trinita |

| 2002  |  | 2002, 2012, 2018
Sanfrecce Hiroshima |

| 2008  | 2003  | 2003, 2008
Vegalta Sendai |

| 2009  | 2001  | 2001, 2009
FC Tokyo |

| 2011  | 1999  | 1999, 2011
Omiya Ardija |

| 2015  | 2004  | 2004, 2015
Júbilo Iwata |

| 2021  | 2015  | 2015, 2021
Tokushima Vortis |

| 2020  |  | 2013, 2020
Matsumoto Yamaga |

| 2018  | 2014  | 2014
Gamba Osaka |

| 2013  |  | 2013
Avispa Fukuoka |

|  | 2005, 2020  | 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020
Cerezo Osaka |

|  | 2002, 2009  | 2002, 2009, 2016
Vissel Kobe |

|  | 2013  | 2006, 2013
Montedio Yamagata |

|  | 2008  | 2008, 2014
Urawa Red Diamonds |

|  | 2000  | 2000
Tokyo Verdy |

|  | 2007  | 2007
Sagan Tosu |

|  | 2011  | 2011
Shimizu S-Pulse |

|  | 2016  | 2016
V-Varen Nagasaki |

|  | 2017  | 2017
Nagoya Grampus |

|  |  | 2017

### Promotion playoff results[edit]

Season  | First semi-final (3rd vs 6th)  | Second semi-final (4th vs 5th)  | Final

|
|
|

2012 | Kyoto Sanga 0-4 Oita Trinita | Yokohama FC 0-4 JEF United Chiba | Oita Trinita 1-0 JEF United Chiba
2013 | Kyoto Sanga 0-0 V-Varen Nagasaki | Tokushima Vortis 1-1 JEF United Chiba | Kyoto Sanga 0-2 Tokushima Vortis
2014 | Not held | Júbilo Iwata 1–2 Montedio Yamagata (6th)  | JEF United Chiba 0–1 Montedio Yamagata
2015 | Avispa Fukuoka 1–0 V-Varen Nagasaki | Cerezo Osaka 0–0 Ehime FC | Avispa Fukuoka 1–1 Cerezo Osaka
2016 | Matsumoto Yamaga 1–2 Fagiano Okayama | Cerezo Osaka 1–1 Kyoto Sanga | Cerezo Osaka 1–0 Fagiano Okayama
2017 | Nagoya Grampus 4–2 JEF United Chiba | Avispa Fukuoka 1–0 Tokyo Verdy | Nagoya Grampus 0–0 Avispa Fukuoka
2023 |  |  |
Season | First round | Second round | Final

|
|
|

2018 | Tokyo Verdy (6th) 1–0 Omiya Ardija (5th)  | Tokyo Verdy (6th) 1–0 Yokohama FC (3rd)  | Júbilo Iwata 2–0 Tokyo Verdy
2019 | Montedio Yamagata (3rd) 2–0 Omiya Ardija (6th)
Tokushima Vortis (4th) 1–1 Ventforet Kofu (5th)  | Tokushima Vortis 1–0 Montedio Yamagata | Shonan Bellmare 1–1 Tokushima Vortis
2022 | Fagiano Okayama (3rd) 0–3 Montedio Yamagata (6th)
Roasso Kumamoto (4th) 2–2 Oita Trinita (5th)  | Roasso Kumamoto 2–2 Montedio Yamagata | Kyoto Sanga 1–1 Roasso Kumamoto

Results
Club  | Participated  | Winners  | Runners-up  | Seasons
participated  | Winning seasons  | Runner-up seasons

|
|
|
|
|
|

Cerezo Osaka |

| 2015, 2016  | 2016  | 2015
Avispa Fukuoka |

| 2015, 2017  | 2015  | 2017
Montedio Yamagata |

| 2014, 2016  | 2014  |
Tokushima Vortis |

| 2013  | 2013  | 2019
Oita Trinita |

| 2012  | 2012  |
Nagoya Grampus |

| 2017  | 2017  |
JEF United Chiba |

| 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017  |  | 2012, 2014
Kyoto Sanga |

| 2012, 2013, 2016  |  | 2013
Tokyo Verdy |

| 2017  |  | 2018
Yokohama FC |

| 2012  |  |
V-Varen Nagasaki |

| 2013  |  |
Júbilo Iwata |

| 2014  |  |
Ehime FC |

| 2015  |  |
Fagiano Okayama |

| 2016  |  |

## Relegation history[edit]

Upon the formation of the second division, the league had not implemented any relegation mechanism between J2 and the (formerly) third tier Japan Football League, and the exchange between divisions worked one-way only. After years of gradual expansion, the division has reached its planned capacity of 22 teams, therefore allowing J.League to start relegating bottom-place teams to JFL. Machida Zelvia set the unhappy milestone in 2012, becoming the very first team to be relegated from J2 (and the only team ever to be relegated to JFL). Next year the professional J3 League was formed, making relegation between second and third tiers a permanent establishment.

The rules for exchange between J2 and J3 are the following from 2017 to 2019 and 2022 to 2023: the 21st and 22nd place of J2 teams are relegated immediately and are replaced by the J3 champion and runner-up.[3] If one or both J3 contenders do not possess J2 licenses, they are not allowed to be promoted, and the relegation spots for J2 sides are reduced accordingly.

No teams descended from J1 or to J3 after the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and its effects.[8] Instead, two promotions and four relegations were in place for the 2021 season, keeping the number of J2 teams at 22.[9] Three relegations to J3 will be from 2024 onwards.[6]

Year | 19th place | 20th place | 21st place | 22nd place

|
|
|
|

2012 | N/A | FC Gifu | Machida Zelvia
2013 | Gainare Tottori‡
2014 | Kamatamare Sanuki† | Kataller Toyama
2015 | Oita Trinita‡ | Tochigi SC
2016 | Zweigen Kanazawa† | Giravanz Kitakyushu
2017 | Roasso Kumamoto | Thespakusatsu Gunma
2018 | Roasso Kumamoto | Kamatamare Sanuki
2019 | Kagoshima United | FC Gifu
2021 | SC Sagamihara | Ehime FC | Giravanz Kitakyushu | Matsumoto Yamaga
2022 | N/A  | FC Ryukyu | Iwate Grulla Morioka
2023 | Omiya Ardija | Zweigen Kanazawa
Year | 18th place | 19th place | 20th place

|
|
|

2024 |  |  |

* Bold designates relegated clubs
† Won the playoff against JFL or J3 team
‡ Lost the playoff series to JFL or J3 team and was relegated

## Players and managers[edit]

### Managers[edit]

* List of J.League managers

### Top scorers[edit]

Year | Player | Nationality | Squad | Goals

|
|
|
|

1999 | Takuya Jinno |  Japan  | Oita Trinita | 19
2000 | Emerson Sheik |  Brazil  | Consadole Sapporo | 31
2001 | Marcos | Vegalta Sendai | 34
2002 | Marx | Albirex Niigata | 19
2003 | 32
2004 | Juninho | Kawasaki Frontale | 37
2005 | Paulinho | Kyoto Purple Sanga | 22
2006 | Humberlito Borges | Vegalta Sendai | 26
2007 | Hulk | Tokyo Verdy | 37
2008 | Hisato Sato |  Japan  | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 28
2009 | Shinji Kagawa | Cerezo Osaka | 27
2010 | Mike Havenaar | Ventforet Kofu | 20
2011 | Yohei Toyoda | Sagan Tosu | 23
2012 | Davi |  Brazil  | Ventforet Kofu | 32
2013 | Kempes | JEF United Chiba | 22
2014 | Masashi Oguro |  Japan  | Kyoto Sanga | 26
2015 | Jay Bothroyd |  England  | Júbilo Iwata | 20
2016 | Jong Tae-se |  North Korea  | Shimizu S-Pulse | 26
2017 | Ibba Laajab |  Norway  | Yokohama FC | 25
2018 | Genki Omae |  Japan  | Omiya Ardija | 24
2019 | Leonardo |  Brazil  | Albirex Niigata | 28
2020 | Peter Utaka |  Nigeria  | Kyoto Sanga | 22
2021 | Lukian |  Brazil  | Júbilo Iwata | 22
2022 | Koki Ogawa |  Japan  | Yokohama FC | 26
2023 | Juanma |  Spain  | V-Varen Nagasaki | 26
2024 |  |  |  |

## See also[edit]

* Association football portal
* Women's association football portal
* Sports portal
* Games portal
* Japan portal

* Sport in Japan
* Football in Japan
* Women's football in Japan
* Japan Football Association (JFA)

Soccer/Football
League system

* Japanese association football league system
* J.League
* J1 League (Tier 1)
* J2 League (Tier 2)
* J3 League (Tier 3)
* Japan Football League (JFL) (Tier 4)
* Regional Champions League (Promotion playoffs to JFL)
* Regional Leagues (Tier 5/6)

Domestic cup

* Fujifilm Super Cup (Super Cup)
* Emperor's Cup (National Cup)
* J.League YBC Levain Cup (League Cup)

Futsal

* F.League
* F1 League (Tier 1)
* F2 League (Tier 2)
* JFA Futsal Championship (National Cup)
* F.League Ocean Cup (League Cup)

Beach soccer

* Beach Soccer Championship (National Cup)

## References[edit]

1. ^ サッカー用語集 [Football glossary]. JFA (in Japanese). Japan Football Association. 25 January 2017. Retrieved 24 February 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」。
2. ^ The logo used in Japan is labeled 「明治安田生命 J2 LEAGUE」.
3. ^ a b ２０１７明治安田生命Ｊ３リーグ 大会方式および試合方式について [2017 Meiji Yasuda Life J3 League: About the tournament and game method]. jleague.jp (in Japanese). 13 December 2016. Archived from the original on 13 December 2016.
4. ^ "2018年以降のJ1・J2昇降格決定方法について". J.League. 27 June 2017.
5. ^ "なぜ今J1参入プレーオフ導入? リーグはJ3、JFL入れ替えも議論". Gekisaka.jp. 27 June 2017.
6. ^ a b "2024シーズン以降のリーグ構造・大会方式について 各カテゴリーのクラブ数を20に統一 リーグカップ戦をＪ１・Ｊ２・Ｊ３全クラブ参加のノックアウト方式に変更" [Regarding the league structure and competition method after the 2024 season; unified the number of clubs in each category to 20; changed the League Cup match to a knockout format in which all J1 · J2 · J3 clubs participate] (Press release) (in Japanese). J.League. 20 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
7. ^ Orlowitz, Dan (13 December 2011). "Japan's J-League officially admits Matsumoto Yamaga and Machida Zelvia into 2012 season". Goal. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
8. ^ Orlowitz, Dan (19 March 2020). "J.League to skip relegation as schedule threatened by coronavirus". The Japan Times.
9. ^ "Number of clubs promoted and relegated at the end of the 2021 season" (Press release). J.League. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.

## External links[edit]

* Official website, JLeague.jp (in English)
* J.League's channel on YouTube (in Japanese)

* v
* t
* e

J.League

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

Seasons|

| J1 League seasons
(1993–present)|

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|

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Clubs|

| J1 League|

* Albirex Niigata
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* Shonan Bellmare
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|

J2 League|

* Blaublitz Akita
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|

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|

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|

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Football clubs in Japan, 2023

J1 League|

* Albirex Niigata
* Avispa Fukuoka
* Cerezo Osaka
* Gamba Osaka
* Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
* Kashima Antlers
* Kashiwa Reysol
* Kawasaki Frontale
* Kyoto Sanga FC
* Nagoya Grampus
* Sagan Tosu
* Sanfrecce Hiroshima
* Shonan Bellmare
* FC Tokyo
* Urawa Red Diamonds
* Vissel Kobe
* Yokohama F. Marinos
* Yokohama FC

J2 League|

* Blaublitz Akita
* Fagiano Okayama
* Fujieda MYFC
* Iwaki FC
* JEF United Chiba
* Júbilo Iwata
* FC Machida Zelvia
* Mito HollyHock
* Montedio Yamagata
* Oita Trinita
* Omiya Ardija
* Renofa Yamaguchi FC
* Roasso Kumamoto
* Shimizu S-Pulse
* Thespakusatsu Gunma
* Tochigi SC
* Tokyo Verdy
* Tokushima Vortis
* V-Varen Nagasaki
* Vegalta Sendai
* Ventforet Kofu
* Zweigen Kanazawa

J3 League|

* AC Nagano Parceiro
* Azul Claro Numazu
* Ehime FC
* FC Gifu
* FC Imabari
* Fukushima United FC
* Gainare Tottori
* Giravanz Kitakyushu
* Iwate Grulla Morioka
* Kagoshima United FC
* Kamatamare Sanuki
* Kataller Toyama
* Matsumoto Yamaga FC
* Nara Club
* FC Osaka
* FC Ryukyu
* SC Sagamihara
* Tegevajaro Miyazaki
* Vanraure Hachinohe
* YSCC Yokohama

100 Year Plan clubs|

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

Japan Football League|

* Briobecca Urayasu
* Criacao Shinjuku
* Honda FC
* Kochi United
* Maruyasu Okazaki
* Minebea Mitsumi
* Okinawa SV
* Reilac Shiga
* ReinMeer Aomori
* Sony Sendai
* FC Tiamo Hirakata
* Tokyo Musashino United
* Suzuka Point Getters
* Veertien Mie
* Verspah Oita

Defunct clubs
(clubs belonging to
nationwide leagues only)|

* 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
* 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

Sports leagues in Japan

Baseball|

* Nippon Professional Baseball
* Central League
* Pacific League

Basketball|

* B.League
* B1 League
* B2 League
* B3 League

Dancing|

* D.League

Football|

* J.League
* J1 League
* J2 League
* J3 League
* Japan Football League
* Japanese Regional Leagues
* Japanese Prefectural Leagues [ja]

Gridiron football|

* X-League

Handball|

* Japan Handball League

Road bicycle racing|

* Japan Cycle League [ja]

Roller derby|

* Tokyo Roller Girls
* Okinawa Roller Derby

Rugby|

* Japan Rugby League One

Table tennis|

* T.League

Volleyball|

* V.League
* V1 League
* V2 League
* V3 League

Professional sports|

* Asia League Ice Hockey
* J.League
* Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
* X-League

Women's sports|

* Football
* WE League
* Nadeshiko League
* Ice Hockey
* Women's Japan Ice Hockey League
* Softball
* Japan Diamond Softball League

Defunct|

* Baseball
* Football

* v
* t
* e

Second-level football leagues of Asia (AFC)

* Afghanistan
* Australia
* Bahrain
* Bangladesh
* Bhutan
* Brunei
* Cambodia
* China PR
* East Timor
* Guam
* Hong Kong
* India
* Indonesia
* Iran
* Iraq
* Japan
* Jordan
* Korea DPR
* Korea Republic
* Kuwait
* Kyrgyzstan
* Laos
* Lebanon
* Macau
* Malaysia
* Maldives
* Mongolia
* Myanmar
* Nepal
* Northern Mariana Islands†
* Oman
* Pakistan
* Palestine (West Bank; Gaza Strip)
* Philippines
* Qatar
* Saudi Arabia
* Sri Lanka
* Syria
* Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
* Tajikistan
* Thailand
* Turkmenistan
* United Arab Emirates
* Uzbekistan
* Vietnam
* Yemen

† Provisional Associated Member

* v
* t
* e

2023 J2 League venues

* Ajinomoto Stadium
* City Light Stadium
* Egao Kenko Stadium
* Fujieda Soccer Stadium
* Fukuda Denshi Arena
* Hawaiians Stadium Iwaki
* IAI Stadium Nihondaira
* Ishikawa Athletics Stadium
* Ishin Me-Life Stadium
* JIT Recycle Ink Stadium
* J-Village Stadium
* Kanseki Stadium Tochigi
* K's denki Stadium
* Machida GION Stadium
* NACK5 Stadium Omiya
* ND Soft Stadium Yamagata
* Resonac Dome Oita
* Pocarisweat Stadium
* Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma
* Soyu Stadium
* Transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki
* Tochigi Green Stadium
* Yamaha Stadium
* Yurtec Stadium Sendai

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