J3 League

Football league

J3 League

Organising body| J.League
Founded| 2013; 10 years ago (2013)
Country| Japan
Confederation| AFC
Number of teams| 20
Level on pyramid| 3
Promotion to| J2 League
Relegation to| Japan Football League (since 2023)
Domestic cup(s)| Emperor's Cup
Current champions| Ehime FC (1st title)
(2023)
Most championships| Blaublitz Akita (2 titles)
TV partners| DAZN
YouTube
Website| Official website (in English)
Current: 2024 J3 League

J3 League (Japanese: J3リーグ, Hepburn: J3 Rīgu) or simply J3 is the third division of Japan Professional Football League (日本プロサッカーリーグ, Nihon Puro Sakkā Rīgu). It was established in 2013 as the third-tier professional association football league in Japan under the organization of J.League. The league is known as the Meiji Yasuda J3 League (Japanese: 明治安田生命J3リーグ) for their title sponsor.[2]

The third-tier nationwide league is a relatively recent development in Japanese football with a first attempt made in 1992 (second division of the old JFL), though it only lasted for two seasons. In 1999, following the establishment of J2 League, a new Japan Football League was created to comprise the third tier and lower divisions. After the introduction of J3, the JFL was demoted to the fourth-tier nationwide league, for the first time in history of Japanese football.

## History of Japanese third-tier football[edit]

### Amateur era (until 2013)[edit]

A national third tier of Japanese association football was first established along with its professionalization in 1992, when the newly created Japan Football League kicked off with two tiers below the professional J. League. Among the 10 original clubs of the third tier included the forerunners to Kyoto Sanga FC, Ventforet Kofu, Omiya Ardija, Avispa Fukuoka and Vissel Kobe (the latter two being located in different regions from their J. League successors). But after a number of clubs were lost for various reasons – some were promoted to J.League and the others folded – the league contracted the second division in 1994 and continued with the single second-tier division.

The third tier football was reintroduced in 1999 upon creation of fully professional J2. The old JFL was dissolved but a new Japan Football League was formed the same year in order to establish a nationwide top-tier amateur league. But despite its officially amateur status the league quickly became de facto semi-professional, serving as the cradle of the future J. League members. Since the establishment of associate membership system in 2006 the number of professional clubs holding or actively seeking for this status has grown steadily and reached its peak in 2013 season when 6 full members and 2 former candidates made up to almost half of the league's 18 teams. Through the course of the season this number grew even bigger, to 10 full associate members that formed the core of J3.

### Professionalization and establishment (2013)[edit]

Close to the end of 2012 football season Japanese media began to spread rumors[3][4] about the upcoming professional third-tier league, referred to as either "J3" or "J.Challenge League". Most of the sources agreed that the new league will feature around 10–12 clubs, most of which will be associate members. The league would also provide more relaxed licensing criteria in comparison to J2 – e.g. the stadium seating capacity of just 3,000 with no mandatory floodlighting.[5]

After the discussion on J1-J2 Joint Committee on 16 January 2013, all J.League clubs agreed in principle with an establishment of the new league starting 2014.[6] This decision was formally put into force by J.League Council in a 26 February executive meeting.[7] The league was planned to launch with 10 teams, but another session of J.League Council in July decided that inaugural season of J3 will feature 12 teams.[8]

To participate, a club must have held an associate membership, or have submitted an application before 30 June 2013, and then passed an inspection to obtain a participation licence issued by J.League Council.[9] On 19 November, J.League confirmed the following clubs to participate in the inaugural J3 season:[10]

* Gainare Tottori (relegated from 2013 J.League Division 2)
* Blaublitz Akita (JFL)
* Machida Zelvia (JFL)
* SC Sagamihara (JFL)
* Nagano Parceiro (JFL)
* Zweigen Kanazawa (JFL)
* YSCC Yokohama (JFL)
* FC Ryukyu (JFL)
* Fukushima United (JFL)
* Fujieda MYFC (JFL)
* Grulla Morioka (Tōhoku League, 2013 Tōhoku League Champion and Regional Promotion Series Champion)
* J.League U-22 team, composed of the best J1 and J2 youngsters to prepare them for the 2016 Olympics[11]

### Future plans[edit]

The league has not provided a clear expansion timeline yet but it was most likely that J3 continued to accommodate new teams after its inaugural season. The following is a list of clubs that may get promoted to J.League in the near future:[12]

* Cobaltore Onagawa (Tohoku Soccer League) – J.League 100 Year Plan club status
* Criacao Shinjuku (JFL) – J3 license and J.League 100 Year Plan club status
* Nankatsu SC (KSL Division 1) – J.League 100 Year Plan club status
* Reilac Shiga FC (formerly MIO Biwako Shiga; JFL) – J3 license holders
* ReinMeer Aomori (JFL) – J3 license holders
* Tochigi City (JFL) – J.League 100 Year Plan club status
* Tokyo 23 FC (KSL Division 1) – J.League 100 Year Plan club status
* Veertien Mie (JFL) – J3 license holders
* Verspah Oita (JFL) – J3 license holders
* Vonds Ichihara (KSL Division 1) – J.League 100 Year Plan club status

Other teams have applied for the 100 Year plan status or a J3 license but were denied. Most of these clubs continue to aim for J3 as their ultimate goal.

* None

Five teams, one declined to decide on a J3 license, one withdrew its own, two their 100 Year Plan status, formerly associate membership, and another was deprived of both:

* Kochi United SC (JFL)
* Okinawa SV (JFL)
* Suzuka Point Getters (JFL)
* Tokyo Musashino City FC (JFL)
* Tonan Maebashi (KSL Division 1)

Some sources claimed that J3 was intended to reach up to 60 clubs in the future, being split into three regionalized divisions running in parallel.[13]

At the end of January 2023, the J.League removed its 100 Year Plan status from application requirements for J3 licenses as part of revisions to the division's club licensing regulations.[14]

### Timetable[edit]

Year  | Important events  | No. J3
clubs  | Prom.
slots  | Rel.
slots

|
|
|
|

2014 |

* The J.League adopts three divisions, as the following clubs join Division 3:
* Gainare Tottori (relegated from J2 League).
* Blaublitz Akita, Fukushima United, Fujieda MYFC, Nagano Parceiro, FC Ryukyu, SC Sagamihara, YSCC Yokohama, FC Machida Zelvia, and Zweigen Kanazawa (pre-existing from Japan Football League).
* Grulla Morioka (promoted directly from Japanese Regional Leagues' Tohoku Soccer League).
* A J.League U-22 Selection is also included, composed of the best J1 and J2 youngsters to prepare them for the 2016 Olympics.
* The Japan Football League becomes the nationwide fourth tier, and first tier for amateur clubs.
* Zweigen Kanazawa becomes the first J3 champions and get promoted to J2. Nagano Parceiro lost the promotion/relegation Series against the J2 21st placed team.

| 11+1  | 1.5  | 0
2015 |

* Kataller Toyama is relegated from J2.
* Renofa Yamaguchi is promoted from Japan Football League (JFL) and in its first J3 season becomes champions and got promoted to J2.
* FC Machida Zelvia is also promoted as it finished in 2nd place and won the promotion/relegation Series against newly relegated Oita Trinita, the first former J1 team to play in J3.

| 12+1
2016 |

* Tochigi SC and Oita Trinita are relegated from J2.
* Kagoshima United FC is promoted from JFL.
* J. League U-22 Selection disbanded. Cerezo Osaka, Gamba Osaka and FC Tokyo introduced U-23 reserve teams to reach 16 teams and change the league to a two-round system.

| 13+3
2017 |

* Giravanz Kitakyushu is relegated from J2.
* Azul Claro Numazu is promoted from JFL.
* Promotion/relegation series abolished; runner-up promoted automatically.

| 14+3  | 2
2018 |

* Roasso Kumamoto and Kamatamare Sanuki are relegated from J2.
* Vanraure Hachinohe is promoted from JFL.

| 15+3
2019 |

* Kagoshima United and FC Gifu are relegated from J2.
* FC Imabari is promoted from JFL.

| 16+3
2020 |

* FC Tokyo U-23 withdraws from J3. Cerezo and Gamba Osaka dissolve their U-23s after the season.
* This was the last season to feature U-23 teams.
* Tegevajaro Miyazaki is promoted from JFL.

| 16+2
2021 |

* SC Sagamihara, Ehime FC, Giravanz Kitakyushu, and Matsumoto Yamaga are relegated from J2.
* Iwaki FC is promoted from JFL.

| 15
2022 |

* Iwaki FC is promoted from Japan Football League (JFL) and in its first J3 season becomes champions and got promoted to J2.
* FC Ryukyu and Iwate Grulla Morioka are relegated from J2.
* Nara Club and FC Osaka are promoted from JFL.

| 18
2023 |

* Omiya Ardija and Zweigen Kanazawa are relegated from J2
* This season features J3–JFL playoffs; relegation from the J3 League to the JFL is introduced.

| 20  | 0–2
2024 |

* There will be promotion playoffs for the J3 with teams from 3rd to 6th place.

| 3

## Crest[edit]

On 20 December 2022, the J3 League logo colour was changed to blue for the 2023 season prior to the 10th anniversary of Japan's third-tier professional league below J1 and J2, whose respective logo colours are red and green.[15]

### History crest[edit]

* First logo (2014)

* Second logo (2015–2018)

* Third logo (2019–2022)

## 2024 season[edit]

Main article: 2024 J3 League

### League format[edit]

For this season, the league is played in two rounds (home and away), each team playing a total of 38 matches.[16]

Each team must have at least 3 players holding professional contracts. Also, from the 2016 season, 5 foreign players are allowed per team, plus 1 more from J.League's ASEAN partner country of or from other AFC countries. The matchday roster will consist of 18 players, and up to 3 substitutes will be allowed in a game.[17]

### Promotion and relegation[edit]

Rules for promotion to J2 are largely similar to those of Japan Football League in recent seasons: to be promoted, a club must hold or be granted a J2 license and finish in top 2 of the league. From 2017 to 2023, the champions and the runners-up have been promoted directly and replace the 21st- and 22nd-placed J2 clubs. If only the champion or runner-up holds or is given a J2 license, only the bottom club of J2 is relegated; if both top 2 finishers are ineligible for promotion, then no teams will be promoted to or relegated from J2.[16]

From the 2024 season, the 3rd to 6th placers will have promotion playoffs and the winner will also be the third team automatically promoted. The three J2 bottom-placed teams will be automatically relegated to J3.[18]

At a J.League board meeting in August 2021, 60 clubs (of which 20 are J3) were targeted for the entire league, and a possibility that J3 will have exceeded 20 clubs by the 2023 season was brought up. Mitsuru Murai, the J.League chairman, revealed that he was discussing how to adjust to 20 clubs. At this time, he was asked, "If there is a possibility of the [J3] league having 21 teams, is it okay to understand that there are teams that will fall from J3 to JFL?" While under consideration, he admitted that the J3 and JFL were considering the introduction of relegation to the latter league as early as after the 2022 season.[19] Later in November, Murai announced that promotion from and relegation to the JFL was planned after the 2023 season,[20]

In early January 2023, the J.League introduced the J3–JFL promotion/relegation playoffs, enabling the possibility for teams to be relegated from the J3.[21] The system of promotion and relegation between the J3 and the JFL can be determined by the eligibility (promotion to J3 requires a J.League license) of the JFL's champions and runners-up for the season.

* If only the JFL champions hold a license, they replace automatically the J3's 20th-placed team.
* If only the JFL runners-up hold a license, there are promotion/relegation playoffs with the J3's 20th-placed team.
* If both the JFL champions and runners-up hold licenses, there will be automatic exchange between the JFL champions and the J3's 20th-placed team, and the runners-up compete in two-legged playoffs with the J3's 19th-placed team.
* If both the JFL champions and runners-up do not hold licenses, no exchange takes place; the teams placed third and below in the league standings, even if one of them holds a J3 license, are not entitled to promotion and the playoffs.

### Participating clubs (2024)[edit]

Club name  | Year joined  | Seasons
in J3  | Based in  | First season
in D3  | Seasons
in D3  | Current spell
in D3  | Last spell
in J2

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Azul Claro Numazu | 2017  | 5  | Numazu, Shizuoka | 2017  | 5  | 2017–  | –
Fukushima United | 2014  | 9  | All cities/towns in Fukushima | 2013  | 10  | 2013–  | –
Gainare Tottori | 2011 (J2)  | 9  | All cities/towns in Tottori | 2001  | 19  | 2014–  | 2011–2013
FC Gifu | 2008 (J2)  | 3  | All cities/towns in Gifu | 2007  | 3  | 2020–  | 2008–2019
Giravanz Kitakyushu | 2010 (J2)  | 4  | Kitakyushu, Fukuoka | 2008  | 6  | 2022–  | 2020–2021
FC Imabari | 2020  | 3  | Imabari, Ehime | 2020  | 3  | 2020–  | –
Iwate Grulla Morioka | 2014  | 8  | Morioka, Iwate | 2014  | 8  | 2023–  | 2022
Kamatamare Sanuki | 2014 (J2)  | 4  | Takamatsu, Kagawa | 2011  | 7  | 2019–  | 2014–2018
Kataller Toyama | 2009 (J2)  | 8  | All cities/towns in Toyama | 2008  | 9  | 2015–  | 2009–2014
Matsumoto Yamaga | 2012 (J2)  | 2  | Central cities/towns in Nagano | 2010  | 3  | 2022–  | 2020–2021
Nagano Parceiro | 2014  | 9  | Northern cities/towns/villages in Nagano | 2011  | 12  | 2011–  | –
Nara Club | 2023  | 1  | All cities/towns in Nara | 2023  | 1  | 2023–  | –
Omiya Ardija | 1999 (J2)  | 0  | Saitama | 1992  | 2  | 2024–  | 2018–2023
FC Osaka | 2023  | 1  | Higashiōsaka, Osaka | 2023  | 1  | 2023–  | –
Ryukyu Okinawa | 2014  | 5  | All cities/towns in Okinawa | 2006  | 13  | 2023–  | 2019–2022
SC Sagamihara | 2014  | 8  | Sagamihara, Kanagawa | 2013  | 9  | 2022–  | 2021
Tegevajaro Miyazaki | 2021  | 2  | Miyazaki, Miyazaki | 2021  | 2  | 2021–  | –
Vanraure Hachinohe | 2019  | 4  | Hachinohe, Aomori | 2019  | 4  | 2019–  | –
YSCC Yokohama | 2014  | 9  | Yokohama, Kanagawa | 2012  | 11  | 2012–  | –
Zweigen Kanazawa | 2014  | 1  | Kanazawa | 2015  | 1  | 2024–  | 2015–2023

* Pink background indicates clubs most recently promoted from JFL
* Gray background indicates the club most recently relegated from J2
* "Year joined" is the year the club joined the J. League (J3 League unless otherwise indicated).
* "First season in D3," "Seasons in D3," and "Current spell in D3" include seasons in JFL

### Stadiums (2024)[edit]

Main article: List of football stadiums in Japan

See also: Category:Football venues in Japan

Primary venues used in the J3 League:

Azul Claro Numazu | Fukushima United | Gainare Tottori | FC Gifu | Giravanz Kitakyushu

|
|
|
|

Ashitaka Park Stadium | Toho Stadium | Axis Bird Stadium | Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium | Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu
Capacity: 5,104 | Capacity: 15,454 | Capacity: 11,999 | Capacity: 16,310 | Capacity: 15,300
|  |  |  |
FC Imabari | Iwate Grulla Morioka | Kamatamare Sanuki | Kataller Toyama | Matsumoto Yamaga
Imabari Satoyama Stadium | Iwagin Stadium | Pikara Stadium | Toyama Stadium | Sunpro Alwin
Capacity: 5,316 | Capacity: 9,892 | Capacity: 22,338 | Capacity: 18,588 | Capacity: 20,000
|  |  |  |
Nagano Parceiro | Nara Club | Omiya Ardija | FC Osaka | Ryukyu Okinawa
Nagano U Stadium | Rohto Field Nara | NACK5 Stadium Omiya | Hanazono Rugby Stadium | Tapic Kenso Hiyagon Stadium
Capacity: 15,515 | Capacity: 30,600 | Capacity: 15,500 | Capacity: 27,346 | Capacity: 12,270
|  |  |  |
SC Sagamihara | Tegevajaro Miyazaki | Vanraure Hachinohe | YSCC Yokohama | Zweigen Kanazawa
Sagamihara Gion Stadium | Unilever Stadium Shintomi | Prifoods Stadium | Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium | Kanazawa Football Stadium
Capacity: 15,300 | Capacity: 5,354 | Capacity: 5,124 | Capacity: 15,454 | Capacity: 10,000
|  |  |  |

## Former clubs[edit]

Club name  | Year joined  | Seasons
in J3  | Based in  | First season
in D3  | Seasons
in D3  | Last spell
in D3  | Current
league

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Blaublitz Akita | 2014  | 7  | All cities/towns in Akita | 2007  | 14  | 2007–2020  | J2
Cerezo Osaka U-23 | 2016  | 5  | Osaka & Sakai, Osaka | 2016  | 5  | 2016–2020  | defunct
Ehime FC | 2006  | 2  | Central cities/towns in Ehime | 2012  | 15  | 2022–2023  | J2
Fujieda MYFC | 2014  | 9  | Central cities/towns in Shizuoka | 2012  | 15  | 2012–2022  | J2
Gamba Osaka U-23 | 2016  | 5  | Northern cities in Osaka  | 2016  | 5  | 2016–2020  | defunct
Iwaki FC | 2022  | 1  | Iwaki and Futaba District, Fukushima | 2022  | 1  | 2022  | J2
J.League U-22 Selection | 2014  | 2  | Played away games only | 2014  | 2  | 2015  | defunct
Kagoshima United | 2016  | 6  | Central cities/towns in Kagoshima | 2016  | 6  | 2020–2023  | J2
Machida Zelvia | 2012 (J2)  | 2  | Machida, Tokyo | 2009  | 6  | 2015  | J1
Oita Trinita | 1999 (J2)  | 1  | All cities/towns in Ōita | 2016  | 1  | 2016  | J2
Renofa Yamaguchi | 2015  | 1  | Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi | 2015  | 1  | 2015  | J2
Roasso Kumamoto | 2008 (J2)  | 3  | Kumamoto, Kumamoto | 2001  | 7  | 2019–2021  | J2
Thespakusatsu Gunma | 2005 (J2)  | 2  | All cities/towns in Gunma | 2004  | 3  | 2018–2019  | J2
Tochigi SC | 2009 (J2)  | 2  | Utsunomiya, Tochigi | 2000  | 11  | 2016–2017  | J2
FC Tokyo U-23 | 2016  | 4  | Chōfu, Tokyo | 2016  | 4  | 2016–2019  | defunct

* Pink background indicates clubs most recently promoted to J2
* "Year joined" is the year the club joined the J. League (J3 League unless otherwise indicated).
* "First season in D3," "Seasons in D3," and "Current spell in D3" include seasons in JFL

## Championship and promotion history[edit]

Main article: List of winners of J3 League and predecessors

From 2014 to 2016, the playoff winners faced off against the 21st place in J2. From 2017 to 2023 season, the two club was promoted by default. From 2024 onwards, the third promotion place is determined by a playoff between the 3rd to 6th actual places.

Season  | Winner | Runner-up | Third place | Play-off winners

|
|
|
|

2014

| Zweigen Kanazawa | Nagano Parceiro† | Machida Zelvia | N/A

2015

| Renofa Yamaguchi | Machida Zelvia‡ | Nagano Parceiro

2016

| Oita Trinita | Tochigi SC | Nagano Parceiro

2017

| Blaublitz Akita | Tochigi SC | Azul Claro Numazu

2018

| FC Ryukyu | Kagoshima United | Gainare Tottori

2019

| Giravanz Kitakyushu | Thespakusatsu Gunma | Fujieda MYFC

2020

| Blaublitz Akita | SC Sagamihara | Nagano Parceiro

2021

| Roasso Kumamoto | Iwate Grulla Morioka | Tegevajaro Miyazaki

2022

| Iwaki FC | Fujieda MYFC | Kagoshima United

2023

| Ehime FC | Kagoshima United | Kataller Toyama

2024

|  |  |  |

* Bold designates the promoted club;
† Lost the J2–J3 playoffs;
‡ Won the J2–J3 playoffs and got promoted;

### Most successful clubs[edit]

Clubs in bold compete in J3 as of 2023 season.

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

|
|
|
|
|
|

Blaublitz Akita |

| 2017, 2020  |  | 2020
Zweigen Kanazawa |

| 2014  |  | 2014
Renofa Yamaguchi |

| 2015  |  | 2015
Oita Trinita |

| 2016  |  | 2016
FC Ryukyu |

| 2018  |  | 2018
Giravanz Kitakyushu |

| 2019  |  | 2019
Roasso Kumamoto |

| 2021  |  | 2021
Iwaki FC |

| 2022  |  | 2022
Ehime FC |

| 2023  |  | 2023
Kagoshima United |

|  | 2018, 2023  | 2018, 2023
Tochigi SC |

|  | 2016, 2017  | 2017
Fujieda MYFC |

|  | 2022  | 2022
Iwate Grulla Morioka |

|  | 2021  | 2021
SC Sagamihara |

|  | 2020  | 2020
Thespakusatsu Gunma |

|  | 2019  | 2019
Machida Zelvia |

|  | 2015  | 2015
Nagano Parceiro |

|  | 2014  |

## Relegation history[edit]

From 2023, relegation from J3 to JFL was introduced, after nine seasons of not featuring it.

Year | 19th place | 20th place

|
|

2023 | Tegevajaro Miyazaki | Giravanz Kitakyushu
2024 |  |

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

## Players and managers[edit]

### Managers[edit]

* List of J.League managers

### Top scorers[edit]

Year  | Player  | Nationality  | Squad  | Goals

|
|
|
|

2014 | Koji Suzuki |  Japan  | Machida Zelvia | 19
2015 | Kazuhito Kishida | Renofa Yamaguchi | 32
2016 | Noriaki Fujimoto | Kagoshima United | 15
2017 | 24
2018 | Leonardo |  Brazil  | Gainare Tottori | 24
2019 | Taichi Hara |  Japan  | FC Tokyo U-23 | 19
2020 | Kaito Taniguchi | Roasso Kumamoto | 18
2021 | Shota Kawanishi | FC Gifu | 13
2022 | Ryo Arita | Iwaki FC | 17
2023 | Ren Komatsu | Matsumoto Yamaga | 19
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 J3 LEAGUE」.
3. ^ Ｊリーグに「３部」設置構想＝準加盟クラブで２０１４年にも [J.League third division to be installed in 2014] (in Japanese). JIJI Press Ltd. 4 November 2013. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
4. ^ ３部相当、１４年開始へ＝名称候補に「Ｊ３」「Ｊチャレンジ」－Ｊリーグ [Third division to start in 2014, J.League sets candidate clubs] (in Japanese). JIJI Press Ltd. 27 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
5. ^ "Jリーグに「3部」設置構想＝準加盟クラブで2014年にも" [New third division starts in 2014] (in Japanese). Yomiuri Shimbun. 1 January 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
6. ^ Ｊ３設立へ中西理事「理解は得た」 [Director Nakahishi on the agreement for J3 establishment] (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports News. 17 January 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
7. ^ 来年からＪ３新設を正式決定 Ｊリーグ理事会 [Consul formally decided to launch new J3 league next year] (in Japanese). Sports Nippon Newspapers. 27 February 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
8. ^ Ｊ3参加クラブ数は「12」で決定 [J3 is determined to start with 12 teams] (in Japanese). J.League. 16 July 2013. Archived from the original on 18 July 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
9. ^ Ｊ３までの道のり [Steps to J3 participation] (in Japanese). J. League. 16 July 2013. Archived from the original on 20 July 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
10. ^ Ｊリーグ入会審査（Ｊ２およびＪ３）結果について [Results of J2 and J3 examination] (in Japanese). J. League. 19 November 2013. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
11. ^ 申請クラブ審査状況に更新がありました [Update to club review situation] (in Japanese). J. League. 19 November 2013. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
12. ^ 準加盟クラブ・準加盟申請クラブに対する、今後の審査の流れ [Inspection flow for J. League participation] (in Japanese). J. League. 2 December 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
13. ^ Ｊリーグ、将来的に１００チームへ [J.League to reach 100 teams in the future] (in Japanese). Soccer Now. 24 February 2013. Archived from the original on 27 February 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
14. ^ "Ｊリーグ入会要件の改定について" [About revision of J.League admission requirements] (in Japanese). J.League. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
15. ^ "明治安田生命とのタイトルパートナー契約更新について" (Press release). 日本プロサッカーリーグ. 2022-12-20. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
16. ^ a b Playing system and rules of 2017 J3 League (in Japanese), J. League, 13 December 2016
17. ^ Tournament schemes for 2016 J3 League (in Japanese), J. League, 15 December 2015
18. ^ "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.
19. ^ "2021年度 第8回Ｊリーグ理事会後チェアマン定例会見発言録" (in Japanese). J.League. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
20. ^ "２３年にも入れ替え実施 Ｊ３とＪＦＬ". Jiji.com. 25 November 2021. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
21. ^ "Promotion and Relegation between J3 and JFL from 2023 Season". J.League (Press release). 6 January 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.

## External links[edit]

* Official website, JLeague.jp (in English)
* Official YouTube channel (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)|

* 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

|

J2 League seasons
(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

J3 League seasons
(2014–present)|

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

Clubs|

| 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
* Tokushima Vortis
* Tokyo Verdy
* V-Varen Nagasaki
* Vegalta Sendai
* Ventforet Kofu
* Zweigen Kanazawa

J3 League|

* AC Nagano Parceiro
* Azul Claro Numazu
* Ehime FC
* Fukushima United FC
* Gainare Tottori
* FC Gifu
* Giravanz Kitakyushu
* FC Imabari
* 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

Former|

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

Players|

* Designated special players (DSP)
* Foreign J.League players
* Foreign J2 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

Football in Japan

By prefecture (Tokyo, Osaka), city

National association|

* Japan Football Association

National teams
(2023)|

| Men|

* Japan
* results
* players
* managers
* B
* U-23
* results
* players
* managers
* U-20
* U-17
* Futsal
* U-23
* U-20
* Beach soccer
* FIFAe

|

Women|

* Japan
* results
* players
* managers
* B
* U-23
* results
* players
* managers
* U-20
* U-17
* Futsal
* U-23
* U-20
* Beach soccer

Leagues
(2023)|

| Men|

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

|

Women|

* WE League
* Nadeshiko League
* Division 1
* Division 2

Cups
(2023)|

| Men|

* Emperor's Cup
* YBC Levain Cup
* Fujifilm Super Cup

|

Women|

* Empress's Cup
* WE League Cup

International cups|

| Men|

* Kirin Cup Soccer (Senior)
* Kirin Challenge Cup (Senior / U-23)
* SBS Cup (U-18)
* Ibaraki Next Generation Cup (U-18)
* International Youth Soccer in Niigata (U-17)
* U-16 International Dream Cup

|

Women|

* MS&AD Cup (Senior)
* JENESYS U-17 Women’s Football Memorial Cup

Culture|

| Historical matches|

* Japan v Iraq (1994 FIFA World Cup qualification)

|

Anime and Manga|

* Aoashi
* Blue Lock
* Captain Tsubasa
* Days
* Giant Killing
* Inazuma Eleven

Rivalries|

* National teams
* Japan–South Korea
* Australia–Japan
* China–Japan
* North Korea–Japan

* Records
* Trophies and awards
* Competitions
* Venues
* History

* 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

* 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

* 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

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

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

* 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

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

Suruga Bank Championship

Football clubs in Japan, 2024

J1 League|

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

J2 League|

* Blaublitz Akita
* Ehime FC
* Fagiano Okayama
* Fujieda MYFC
* Iwaki FC
* JEF United Chiba
* Kagoshima United FC
* Mito HollyHock
* Montedio Yamagata
* Oita Trinita
* Renofa Yamaguchi FC
* Roasso Kumamoto
* Shimizu S-Pulse
* Thespakusatsu Gunma
* Tochigi SC
* Tokushima Vortis
* V-Varen Nagasaki
* Vegalta Sendai
* Ventforet Kofu
* Yokohama FC

J3 League|

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

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
* Tochigi City
* 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
* Kagura Shimane

* 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

Third level football leagues of Asia (AFC)

* Afghanistan
* Australia
* Capital Football
* NSW
* NNSW
* Queensland
* South Australia
* Tasmania
* North Tasmania
* South Tasmania
* Victoria
* West Australia
* Bahrain
* Bangladesh
* Bhutan
* Brunei
* Cambodia
* China
* Chinese Taipei
* East Timor
* Guam
* Hong Kong
* India
* Indonesia
* Iran
* Iraq
* Japan
* Jordan
* North Korea
* South Korea
* 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
* Tajikistan
* Thailand
* Turkmenistan
* United Arab Emirates
* Uzbekistan
* Vietnam
* Yemen

† Provisional Associated Member

* v
* t
* e

2023 J3 League venues

* Ashitaka Park Stadium
* Axis Bird Stadium
* Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium
* Hanazono Rugby Stadium
* Iwagin Stadium
* Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu
* Minami Nagano Sports Park Stadium
* Ningineer Stadium
* NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium
* Pikara Stadium
* Prifoods Stadium
* Rohto Field Nara
* Sagamihara Gion Stadium
* Satoyama Stadium
* Shiranami Stadium
* Sunpro Alwin
* Toho Stadium
* Toyama Stadium
* Unilever Stadium Shintomi

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template