J. League Division 2
Encyclopedia
The or is the second division of and is the second-tier professional association football league in Japan
. Currently, J. League Division 2 is the second level of the Japanese association football league system. The first tier is represented by J. League Division 1.
The second-tier club football existed in the land of the rising sun since 1972; however, it was professionalized starting 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 Japan Football League to create the J2 League. The remaining seven clubs in the Japan Football League, the newly formed Yokohama F.C., and one promoting club from the Regional Leagues
, a total of nine clubs, formed the third-tier Japan Football League
.
formed a Second Division. Among the founding 10 clubs, 5 later competed in the J. League: Toyota Motors
(inaugural champion), Yomiuri, Fujitsu
, Kyoto Shiko Club and Kofu Club
.
The division, initially conformed of 10 clubs like the First Division, required at first both the champions and runner-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.
Before 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 All Japan Regional Football Promotion League Series
served as provider of aspiring League clubs. In 1985 the Second Division was augmented in size 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, but 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, dividing the tier into two hierarchical, non-equal tiers of 10 clubs each. In 1994 the JFL was reunified again 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 , , and , who had been JSL First Division champions but had not been chosen for the inaugural J. League season).
.
The criteria for becoming a J2 club was 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 would be necessary for clubs in J1. In fact, clubs like 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 , , , and 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 Oita were later relegated back to the Division 2, they are well-established association football clubs as they are managing to attract average of 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 were not winner at end of the regulation. The extra time was abolished in 2002, and the league adopted the standard 3-1-0 points system.
clubs, and joined the J2 League in 2000 and 2001 seasons. Mito initially tried in 1999 season but failed, and had a better luck in the following year. On the other hand, Yokohama F.C. was formed by the fans of , who went defunct after the merger with on Jan 1st, 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, excluding these two clubs, it seemed that there were no interests from the lower-level clubs; the second division did not see any farther expansion for few seasons. In 2004 seasons, however, suddenly two clubs showed interested as and were accepted to the league. Two years later in the 2006 season, followed 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 the professionalism.
Clearly, the concept of second-tier professional association football – the fact that a club can compete at the professional league with low budge was something that attracted many amateur clubs across the nation of Japan. At the beginning of the 2006 season
, the league took a survey to figure out the number of non-league clubs interested in joining the professional league. The results showed that about 40 to 60 clubs in Japan have plans to professionalize in 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, the 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 catch up to 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 is the best interest of the league to expand the J2 to 22 clubs rather than forming a third division. Several reasons led the committee to such decision:
The committee also reintroduced Associate Membership System
starting 2006 season. This will allow the committee to identify interested non-league clubs and provide necessary resources to such clubs. The membership is exclusively given to non-league clubs that have intention to joining the J. League and also fulfill most of the criteria for J2 promotion. Several clubs in Japan Football League
and Regional Leagues
have applied and received the membership. Associate members finishing top 4 of JFL will be promoted to J2. Following the promotion of Ehime F.C., six more clubs have joined J2 League through this system.
As the number of clubs increased, league format changed from quadruple round-robin to triple round-robin format. This was adopted during 2008 season with 15 clubs and 2009 season with 18 clubs. In the 2009, the J2 league also saw increase of promotion slot to three to accommodate the eighteen-club league. As the result Promotion/Relegation Series
which allowed the third-placed J2 clubs to fight for J1 slots for the following season was abolished after its introduction in the 2004 season.
However, it is still unclear whether the third-tier association football will remain as a semi-professional league or it will be professionalized as happened to J2 in 1999.
From 2012, J2 will implement a promotion playoff tournament in the style of the Football League Championship
, Serie B
, or Segunda División
. However, the rules will be heavily slanted to favor those with higher league placement:
against the sixteenth-placed J1 club and the winner had right to play in the top flight in the following year. Starting 2009 season, top three J2 clubs receives J1 promotion by default in place of three bottom J1 clubs. However, promotion or right to play the now-defunct pro/rele series relies on the J2 clubs meeting the requirements for J1 franchise status set by the league. This has generally not been a hindrance, in fact, no club is yet to be denied promotion due to not meeting the J1 criteria.
Japan Football League
(JFL) is currently the third level in the association football system and being a semi-professional league, the J. League allows only certain clubs from JFL to be promoted. In 2000, 2001, and 2006 the JFL league champion was promoted to J2; in 2005 two teams were promoted. From 2007, the league requires J. League Associate Membership
and at least 4th-place finish in JFL to be promoted to J2. Currently, there is no relegation from J2 to JFL. Since 1999, a total of twelve clubs from JFL were promoted J2, two of which were expanded into J1. Currently, J1 has 18 clubs and J2 has 20 clubs. The division two will keep expanding until it has 22 clubs and afterwards there will be regular promotion and relegation.
Since the inception in 1999, format of J2 has been very consistent. The clubs played a quadruple round-robin (two home and away) format during the 1999 to 2007 seasons. To accommodate the on-going expansion process triple round-robin format was implemented during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Also until the 2001 season, the clubs played extra time if they were tied after regulation and the clubs received 3pts for a regulation win, 2pts for an extra time win, 1pt for a tie, and 0pts for loss (there were no penalties
). However, starting 2002, the league abolished extra time and set the points system to the standard 3-1-0 system.
The number of clubs reached 19 in 2010; thus the league format has been changed to double round-robin format.
, Regional and Prefectural Leagues, may apply for the membership. The applications are reviewed and inspected by a committee formed by the league. The Associate Membership is now required for J2 promotion and the system allows the J. League to identify the clubs that are intending to join the league and provide necessary resources.
Current Members (JFL) (JFL) (JFL)
A draw would be conducted, if necessary. However, if two clubs are tied at the first place, both clubs will be declared as the champions. The top three clubs will be promoted to J1. Further, there will be no relegation to Japan Football League.
Prize Money
against 16th-placed club in J1. Starting from the 2009 season, the 3rd placed club is promoted by default.
* Bold designates the promoted club; † Lost the Promotion/Relegation Series
; ‡ Won the Promotion/Relegation Series
and promoted
Defunct Tournament
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. Currently, J. League Division 2 is the second level of the Japanese association football league system. The first tier is represented by J. League Division 1.
The second-tier club football existed in the land of the rising sun since 1972; however, it was professionalized starting 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 Japan Football League to create the J2 League. The remaining seven clubs in the Japan Football League, the newly formed Yokohama F.C., and one promoting club from the Regional Leagues
Japanese Regional Leagues
Japanese Regional Leagues are a group of parallel association football leagues in Japan that are organized on the regional basis...
, a total of nine clubs, formed the third-tier Japan Football League
Japan Football League
The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers...
.
History
- For history of Japanese club football before the inception of the professional league in 1993, see Japan Soccer LeagueJapan Soccer League, or JSL, was the top flight soccer league in Japan between 1965 and 1992, and was the precursor to the current professional league, the J. League. JSL was the second national league of a team sport in Japan after the professional Japanese Baseball League that was founded in 1936...
. - For detailed history of J. League Division 1, see J. League Division 1#History.
Amateur era (—1999)
A national second tier of Japanese association football was first established in 1972, when the Japan Soccer LeagueJapan Soccer League
, or JSL, was the top flight soccer league in Japan between 1965 and 1992, and was the precursor to the current professional league, the J. League. JSL was the second national league of a team sport in Japan after the professional Japanese Baseball League that was founded in 1936...
formed a Second Division. Among the founding 10 clubs, 5 later competed in the J. League: Toyota Motors
Nagoya Grampus
are a Japanese association football club that play in the J. League. Based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and originally founded as the company team of the Toyota Motor Corp...
(inaugural champion), Yomiuri, Fujitsu
Kawasaki Frontale
is a J. League Division 1 association football club. The team is located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Their home stadium is Todoroki Athletics Stadium, in Nakahara Ward, in the central area of Kawasaki.-History:...
, Kyoto Shiko Club and Kofu Club
Ventforet Kofu
are a Japanese football club from Kofu. They compete in the J. League Division 1, and their home ground is the Kose Sports Stadium.The word "Ventforet" is coined combining two French words Vent and Forêt...
.
The division, initially conformed of 10 clubs like the First Division, required at first both the champions and runner-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.
Before 1977 the way for clubs to gain access to the Second Division was by making the finals of the All Japan Senior Football Championship
All Japan Senior Football Championship
The All Japan Senior Football Championship is a football cup competition in Japan. It is run by the Japan Football Association. As it only involves non-league teams The All Japan Senior Football Championship (Zenkoku Shakaijin Sakkā Senshuken Taikai, 全国社会人サッカー選手権大会) is a football (soccer) cup...
and then playing off in their own Promotion/Relegation series against the second tier's bottom clubs; after 1977 the new All Japan Regional Football Promotion League Series
All Japan Regional Football Promotion League Series
The All Japan Regional Promotion League Series is a play-off tournament meant as a transition for Japanese football clubs competing in regional leagues to the bottom national tier .-History:Until 1976, the main entrance route for regional clubs to the Japan Soccer League was...
served as provider of aspiring League clubs. In 1985 the Second Division was augmented in size 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, but 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, dividing the tier into two hierarchical, non-equal tiers of 10 clubs each. In 1994 the JFL was reunified again 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 , , and , who had been JSL First Division champions but had not been chosen for the inaugural J. League season).
Professionalization era (1999–2004)
The infrastructure of the league was heavily changed in 1999. The league acquired nine clubs from the semi-professional JFL and one 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, now became third-tier Japan Football LeagueJapan Football League
The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers...
.
The criteria for becoming a J2 club was 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 would be necessary for clubs in J1. In fact, clubs like 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 , , , and 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 Oita were later relegated back to the Division 2, they are well-established association football clubs as they are managing to attract average of 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 were not 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)
Two third-tier Japan Football LeagueJapan Football League
The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers...
clubs, and joined the J2 League in 2000 and 2001 seasons. Mito initially tried in 1999 season but failed, and had a better luck in the following year. On the other hand, Yokohama F.C. was formed by the fans of , who went defunct after the merger with on Jan 1st, 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, excluding these two clubs, it seemed that there were no interests from the lower-level clubs; the second division did not see any farther expansion for few seasons. In 2004 seasons, however, suddenly two clubs showed interested as and were accepted to the league. Two years later in the 2006 season, followed 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 the professionalism.
Clearly, the concept of second-tier professional association football – the fact that a club can compete at the professional league with low budge was something that attracted many amateur clubs across the nation of Japan. At the beginning of the 2006 season
2006 J. League Division 2
The 2006 J. League Division 2 season is the 35th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 8th season since the establishment of J2 League....
, the league took a survey to figure out the number of non-league clubs interested in joining the professional league. The results showed that about 40 to 60 clubs in Japan have plans to professionalize in 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, the 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 catch up to 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 is the best interest of the league to expand the J2 to 22 clubs rather than forming a third division. Several reasons led the committee to such decision:
- Japan Football LeagueJapan Football LeagueThe is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers...
, the third-tier in Japanese football league systemJapanese football league systemThe Japanese association football league system is organized in a pyramidal shape similar to football league systems in many other countries around the world...
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 J2 league as it allows enough number of 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 the topflight.
The committee also reintroduced Associate Membership System
J. League Associate Membership
J. League Associate Membership is a status given to Japanese non-league football clubs. The applicant must have an intention to become a professional club and to join the professional league, J. League, governed in the top two levels of the Japanese football pyramid...
starting 2006 season. This will allow the committee to identify interested non-league clubs and provide necessary resources to such clubs. The membership is exclusively given to non-league clubs that have intention to joining the J. League and also fulfill most of the criteria for J2 promotion. Several clubs in Japan Football League
Japan Football League
The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers...
and Regional Leagues
Japanese Regional Leagues
Japanese Regional Leagues are a group of parallel association football leagues in Japan that are organized on the regional basis...
have applied and received the membership. Associate members finishing top 4 of JFL will be promoted to J2. Following the promotion of Ehime F.C., six more clubs have joined J2 League through this system.
As the number of clubs increased, league format changed from quadruple round-robin to triple round-robin format. This was adopted during 2008 season with 15 clubs and 2009 season with 18 clubs. In the 2009, the J2 league also saw increase of promotion slot to three to accommodate the eighteen-club league. As the result Promotion/Relegation Series
J. League Promotion/Relegation Series
In 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club...
which allowed the third-placed J2 clubs to fight for J1 slots for the following season was abolished after its introduction in the 2004 season.
Double round-robin era (2010–present)
As the league has reached 19 clubs in the 2010 season, the J2 League has adopted the double round-robin format. The league will continue to expand to 22 clubs, and until then there will be no relegation to Japan Football League. In the next few seasons, maximum number of clubs that can be promoted to J2 is decided by taking the difference of twenty-two minus the number of clubs in J2. The league marked 20 clubs in the 2011 season. With this rule, currently maximum of two clubs can be promoted from JFL.Plans (2012—)
J. League Division 2 has 20 clubs and is in the process of expansion. As mentioned in the last section, eventually the league plans to have 22 clubs. Although, J. League have yet to make an official announcements about their plans, they have vaguely mentioned- Promotion/relegation between J2 and Japan Football League
- Raising the football competitiveness and financial standard of Japan Football League
However, it is still unclear whether the third-tier association football will remain as a semi-professional league or it will be professionalized as happened to J2 in 1999.
From 2012, J2 will implement a promotion playoff tournament in the style of the Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, Serie B
Serie B
Serie B, currently named Serie bwin due to sponsorship reasons, is the second-highest division in the Italian football league system after the Serie A. It is contested by 22 teams and organized by the Lega Serie B since July 2010, after the split of Lega Calcio that previously took care of both the...
, or Segunda División
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
. However, the rules will be heavily slanted to favor those with higher league placement:
- The team 3rd in the standings will face the 6th placed team, and the 4th placed team will face the 5th. This round is one match at the home side of the higher placed team.
- The winners of the two matches face 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.
Timetable
| Year | Important Events | Participating Clubs | Promotion Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 |
|
10 | 2 |
| 2000 |
|
11 | 2 |
| 2001 |
Japan Football League The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers... : Yokohama F.C. |
12 | 2 |
| 2002 |
|
12 | 2 |
| 2003 | 12 | 2 | |
| 2004 |
J. League Promotion/Relegation Series In 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club... as the top flight expands to 18 clubs in the following season |
12 | 2.5 |
| 2005 |
Japan Football League The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers... : Tokushima Vortis and Thespa Kusatsu |
12 | 2.5 |
| 2006 |
Japan Football League The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers... : Ehime F.C. Away goals rule The away goals rule is a method of breaking ties in association football and other sports when teams play each other twice, once at each team's home ground. By the away goals rule, the team that has scored more goals "away from home" will win if scores are otherwise equal... is adopted in Promotion/Relegation Series J. League Promotion/Relegation Series In 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club... J. League Associate Membership J. League Associate Membership is a status given to Japanese non-league football clubs. The applicant must have an intention to become a professional club and to join the professional league, J. League, governed in the top two levels of the Japanese football pyramid... |
13 | 2.5 |
| 2007 | 13 | 2.5 | |
| 2008 |
|
15 | 2.5 |
| 2009 |
Japan Football League The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers... : Tochigi S.C., Kataller Toyama and Fagiano Okayama J. League Promotion/Relegation Series In 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club... is eliminated and the third place-club now receives automatic promotion to J1 |
18 | 3 |
| 2010 |
Japan Football League The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers... : Giravanz Kitakyushu |
19 | 3 |
| 2011 |
Japan Football League The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers... : Gainare Tottori |
20 | 3 |
| 2012 |
|
TBD | 3 |
Stance in the Japanese football pyramid
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 2004 to 2008 season, the third-placed J2 club entered Promotion/Relegation SeriesJ. League Promotion/Relegation Series
In 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club...
against the sixteenth-placed J1 club and the winner had right to play in the top flight in the following year. Starting 2009 season, top three J2 clubs receives J1 promotion by default in place of three bottom J1 clubs. However, promotion or right to play the now-defunct pro/rele series relies on the J2 clubs meeting the requirements for J1 franchise status set by the league. This has generally not been a hindrance, in fact, no club is yet to be denied promotion due to not meeting the J1 criteria.
Japan Football League
Japan Football League
The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers...
(JFL) is currently the third level in the association football system and being a semi-professional league, the J. League allows only certain clubs from JFL to be promoted. In 2000, 2001, and 2006 the JFL league champion was promoted to J2; in 2005 two teams were promoted. From 2007, the league requires J. League Associate Membership
J. League Associate Membership
J. League Associate Membership is a status given to Japanese non-league football clubs. The applicant must have an intention to become a professional club and to join the professional league, J. League, governed in the top two levels of the Japanese football pyramid...
and at least 4th-place finish in JFL to be promoted to J2. Currently, there is no relegation from J2 to JFL. Since 1999, a total of twelve clubs from JFL were promoted J2, two of which were expanded into J1. Currently, J1 has 18 clubs and J2 has 20 clubs. The division two will keep expanding until it has 22 clubs and afterwards there will be regular promotion and relegation.
Since the inception in 1999, format of J2 has been very consistent. The clubs played a quadruple round-robin (two home and away) format during the 1999 to 2007 seasons. To accommodate the on-going expansion process triple round-robin format was implemented during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Also until the 2001 season, the clubs played extra time if they were tied after regulation and the clubs received 3pts for a regulation win, 2pts for an extra time win, 1pt for a tie, and 0pts for loss (there were no penalties
Penalty shootout (football)
A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game...
). However, starting 2002, the league abolished extra time and set the points system to the standard 3-1-0 system.
The number of clubs reached 19 in 2010; thus the league format has been changed to double round-robin format.
J. League associate membership
J. League Associate Membership is a status given to the non-league association football clubs in Japan that has intention to join J. League, in the near future. Clubs from the Japan Football LeagueJapan Football League
The is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers...
, Regional and Prefectural Leagues, may apply for the membership. The applications are reviewed and inspected by a committee formed by the league. The Associate Membership is now required for J2 promotion and the system allows the J. League to identify the clubs that are intending to join the league and provide necessary resources.
Current Members (JFL) (JFL) (JFL)
- Kamatamare SanukiKamatamare SanukiKamatamare Sanuki is a football club based in Takamatsu, the capital city of Kagawa Prefecture of Japan. They play in the Japan Football League. The first part of their name was coined by combining the Japanese word Kamatama and the Italian Mare . The second part is what Kagawa Prefecture used to...
(JFL) - S.C. SagamiharaS.C. Sagamiharaare a Japanese association football club based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture. In 2011 they joined Division 2 of Kanto Regional League after three years of consecutive promotions through Kanagawa Prefectural League.-External links:*...
(Kantō League D2)
League Formats (2011)
Twenty clubs will play in double round-robin format, a total of 38 games each. A club receives 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. The clubs are ranked by points, and 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 the first place, both clubs will be declared as the champions. The top three clubs will be promoted to J1. Further, there will be no relegation to Japan Football League.
Prize Money
- First Place: 20,000,000 Yen
- Second Place: 10,000,000 Yen
- Third Place: 5,000,000 Yen
Participating Clubs (2011)
| Club Name | Year Joined | Home Town(s) | Last Spell in the Top Flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 (J) | Sapporo, Hokkaidō Hokkaido , formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel... |
2008 | |
| 2006 | All cities/towns in Ehime | ||
| 2009 | All cities/towns in Okayama Okayama Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūgoku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Okayama.- History :During the Meiji Restoration, the area of Okayama Prefecture was known as Bitchū Province, Bizen Province and Mimasaka Province.- Geography :... |
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| 2008 | All cities/towns in Gifu Gifu Prefecture is a prefecture located in the Chūbu region of central Japan. Its capital is the city of Gifu.Located in the center of Japan, it has long played an important part as the crossroads of Japan, connecting the east to the west through such routes as the Nakasendō... |
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| 1999 | Tokyo Tokyo , ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family... |
2000–2010 | |
| 2011 | All cities/towns in Tottori Tottori Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūgoku region. The capital is the city of Tottori. It is the least populous prefecture in Japan.- History :Before the Meiji Restoration, Tottori encompassed the old provinces of Hōki and Inaba... |
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| 2010 | Kitakyushu Kitakyushu, Fukuoka is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyūshū, Japan. It is midway between Tokyo and Shanghai.- Demographics :Kitakyūshū has a population of just under one million... , Fukuoka Fukuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.... |
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| 1993 (J) | Chiba Chiba, Chiba is the capital city of Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is located approximately 40 km east of the center of Tokyo on Tokyo Bay. Chiba City became a government designated city in 1992. Its population as of 2008 is approximately 960,000.... & Ichihara Ichihara, Chiba is a city located in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. As of August 2010, the city has an estimated population of 279,080, with a population density of 758 persons per km². The total area of Ichihara was 368.20 km²... , Chiba Chiba Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kantō region and the Greater Tokyo Area. Its capital is Chiba City.- History :Chiba Prefecture was established on June 15, 1873 with the merger of Kisarazu Prefecture and Inba Prefecture... |
1965–2009 | |
| 2009 | All cities/towns in Toyama Toyama Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Hokuriku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Toyama.Toyama is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, and has the industrial advantage of cheap electricity due to abundant water resources.... |
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| 1996 (J) | Southwestern cities/towns in Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro.... |
2008–2010 | |
| 2000 | Mito Mito, Ibaraki is the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan and has a central location, moderately offset towards the coast in that prefecture. As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 263,748 and a total area is 217.45 km², giving a population density of 1,212.91 persons per km²... , Ibaraki Ibaraki Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan, located in the Kantō region on the main island of Honshu. The capital is Mito.-History:Ibaraki Prefecture was previously known as Hitachi Province... |
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| 1999 | All cities/towns in Oita Oita Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan on Kyūshū Island. The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.- History :Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, and Toyo no kuni... |
2003–2009 | |
| 2008 | Kumamoto Kumamoto, Kumamoto is the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Greater Kumamoto has a population of 1,460,000, as of the 2000 census... , Kumamoto Kumamoto Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyushu Island. The capital is the city of Kumamoto.- History :Historically the area was called Higo Province; and the province was renamed Kumamoto during the Meiji Restoration. The creation of prefectures was part of the abolition of the feudal system... |
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| 1999 | Tosu Tosu, Saga is a city located in the east part of Saga Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū, Japan.-Overview:Tosu is one of the major transportation hubs of Kyūshū. Its main train station is Tosu Station which connects the Nagasaki Main Line and the Kagoshima Main Line. There is also a junction connecting the... , Saga Saga Prefecture is located in the northwest part of the island of Kyūshū, Japan. It touches both the Sea of Japan and the Ariake Sea. The western part of the prefecture is a region famous for producing ceramics and porcelain, particularly the towns of Karatsu, Imari, and Arita... |
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| 1994 (J) | Southcentral cities/town in Kanagawa | 2010 | |
| 2005 | All cities/towns in Gunma | ||
| 2009 | Utsunomiya, Tochigi Tochigi Prefecture is a prefecture located in the Kantō region on the island of Honshū, Japan. The capital is the city of Utsunomiya.Nikkō, whose ancient Shintō shrines and Buddhist temples UNESCO has recognized by naming them a World Heritage Site, is in this prefecture... |
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| 2005 | All cities/towns in Tokushima Tokushima Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on Shikoku island. The capital is the city of Tokushima.- Tokushima Prefecture and Myodo Prefecture :Long ago, Tokushima City belonged to a region known as Myōdō-gun... |
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| 1993 (J) | Tokyo Tokyo , ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family... |
2008 | |
| 2001 | Yokohama Yokohama is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second largest city in Japan by population after Tokyo and most populous municipality of Japan. It lies on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, in the Kantō region of the main island of Honshu... , Kanagawa Kanagawa Prefecture is a prefecture located in the southern Kantō region of Japan. The capital is Yokohama. Kanagawa is part of the Greater Tokyo Area.-History:The prefecture has some archaeological sites going back to the Jōmon period... |
2007 |
- Gray background denotes club was most recently relegated/demoted from J1 League.
- Pink background denotes club was most recently promoted from Japan Football LeagueJapan Football LeagueThe is the 3rd tier of the Japanese association football league system, following J. League Division 1 and J. League Division 2. Also known as the JFL, it is generally considered as the top amateur league in Japan although in reality it is a semi-professional league as many full-time footballers...
. - "Year joined" is the year the club joined the J. League (Division 2 unless otherwise indicated).
- "Last spell in top flight" includes seasons in the old Japan Soccer LeagueJapan Soccer League, or JSL, was the top flight soccer league in Japan between 1965 and 1992, and was the precursor to the current professional league, the J. League. JSL was the second national league of a team sport in Japan after the professional Japanese Baseball League that was founded in 1936...
First Division.
Stadiums (2011)
Primary venues used in the J. League:| Consadole Sapporo Consadole Sapporo is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaidō.... |
Ehime F.C. Ehime F.C. Ehime F.C. is a professional football club based in Matsuyama, the capital city of Ehime Prefecture of Japan. After winning the JFL championship in 2005, the club now plays in J. League Division 2. Ehime F.C. is one of only four J. League clubs whose names simply consist of a place name and "F.C."... |
Fagiano Okayama | F.C. Gifu F.C. Gifu is a Japanese football club based in Gifu Prefecture. Gifu were promoted to J. League Division 2 for the first time at the end of 2007, and played their first season in 2008 where they finished 13th. The team colour is green.-History:... |
F.C. Tokyo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo Dome Sapporo Dome The is a stadium located in Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Japan, and is primarily used for baseball and football. It is the home field of the baseball team Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and the football club Consadole Sapporo.-History:... |
Ningineer Stadium Ningineer Stadium The Ningineer Stadium aka General Athletic Park Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan, home of Ehime F.C..It is a stadium with four concrete stands around the 8-lane athletic track and the grass field... |
Kanko Stadium Momotaro Stadium or is a multi-purpose stadium in Okayama, Japan. It is currently used mostly for football matches and athletics events. It is the home field of Fagiano Okayama, and used for some rugby union Top League games.This stadium's capacity is 20,000 people.... |
Nagaragawa Stadium Nagaragawa Stadium Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium at the Gifu Memorial Center in Gifu, Japan. It is currently used mostly for football matches. It is the host of F.C. Gifu. The stadium was originally opened in 1991 and has a capacity of 31,000 spectators.... |
Ajinomoto Stadium |
| Capacity: 67,400 | Capacity: 20,000 | Capacity: 20,000 | Capacity: 31,000 | Capacity: 50,000 |
| Gainare Tottori Gainare Tottori are a Japanese football club based in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture. They play in the J. League Division 2. Their team colour is green.Their team name Gainare derives from a Tottori dialect gaina meaning "great" and Italian sperare meaning "to hope".Their team mascot is well-known horror anime... |
Giravanz Kitakyushu | JEF United Chiba | Kataller Toyama Kataller Toyama Kataller Toyama is a football club in Japan that was formed from the merger of the old ALO's Hokuriku and YKK AP F.C. clubs. They currently play in J... |
Kyoto Sanga F.C. |
| Torigin Bird Stadium Tottori Soccer Stadium Tottori Bank Bird Stadium is a 16,033-capacity multi-purpose stadium in Tottori, Tottori. The stadium is home to J. League Division 2 side Gainare Tottori. The stadium hosted Ecuador's national selection during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.... |
Honjō Athletic Stadium | Fukuda Denshi Arena Fukuda Denshi Arena , known commonly as Fuku-Ari , is a football stadium in Chiba, Japan. It was completed in 2005 and is home to the J. League club JEF United Ichihara Chiba following their move from the Ichihara Seaside Stadium. This stadium has 18,500 seats and 1,281 standings... |
Toyama Athletic Recreation Park Stadium Toyama Athletic Recreation Park Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Toyama, Japan. It is currently used mostly for football matches and athletics events. This stadium's capacity is 28,494 people.- External links :*... |
Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium , or is a multi-purpose stadium in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of J. League club Kyoto Sanga F.C.The stadium holds 20,242 people and was built in 1942... |
| Capacity: 16,033 | Capacity: 10,202 | Capacity: 19,781 | Capacity: 28,494 | Capacity: 20,242 |
| Mito Hollyhock Mito HollyHock is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team's hometown is located in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture.... |
Oita Trinita Oita Trinita is a J. League Division 2 team. The team name Trinita can be considered either a combination of the English word trinity and Ōita, or the Italian word trinità. The dual meaning expresses the will of the citizens, companies, and local governments to support the team.The team's home town is Ōita... |
Roasso Kumamoto Roasso Kumamoto is a Japanese football club based in Kumamoto, the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture. Roasso Kumamoto was promoted to J. League Division 2 for the first time at the end of the 2007 season, and played their first season in 2008 where they finished 12th... |
Sagan Tosu Sagan Tosu is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Tosu, Saga Prefecture.Sagan is a coined word with a couple of meanings behind it. One of its homophones is in Japanese. This symbolises many small elements uniting to form one... |
Shonan Bellmare Shonan Bellmare are a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Hiratsuka, in the west of Kanagawa Prefecture; their home stadium is Hiratsuka Athletics Stadium in Hiratsuka. The name Bellmare is derived from the Latin "bellum" for "war" and "mare"... |
| K's denki Stadium Mito K's denki Stadium Mito K's denki Stadium Mito is a multi-purpose stadium in Mito, Japan. It is currently used mostly for football matches. It serves as the main home ground of Mito HollyHock, and is its home ground since 2009... |
Ōita Bank Dome Oita Stadium Ōita Bank Dome is a multi-purpose stadium in the city of Ōita in Ōita Prefecture on Kyushu Island in Japan.The stadium is currently called , or as an abbreviated form, by naming rights. It was formerly called as sponsored by the Kyushu Oil until early 2010. It is primarily used for soccer, and is... |
KKWing Stadium KKWing Stadium Kumamoto Athletics Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Kumamoto, Japan. It is currently used mostly for football matches and sometimes for Top League rugby games. The stadium holds 32,000 people.... |
Tosu Stadium | Hiratsuka Athletics Stadium Hiratsuka Athletics Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Shonan Bellmare. The stadium has a seating capacity for 18,500 spectators.- External links :*... |
| Capacity: 12,000 | Capacity: 40,000 | Capacity: 32,000 | Capacity: 24,490 | Capacity: 18,500 |
| Thespa Kusatsu Thespa Kusatsu is a professional football club based in Gunma Prefecture in Japan. The club plays in J. League Division 2. J. League Division 2 is the second professional football league in Japan.... |
Tochigi S.C. Tochigi S.C. are a football club based in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. They play in the J. League Division 2. Their team colour is yellow.Tochigi, uniquely, is the only major Japanese professional club to retain the word "soccer" in its English name, despite efforts by football authorities to... |
Tokushima Vortis Tokushima VORTIS is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture... |
Tokyo Verdy | Yokohama F.C. |
| Shikishima Stadium Shikishima Stadium Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma is a multi-purpose stadium in Maebashi, Japan. It is currently used mostly for football matches. Sponsored by speciality Soy sauce maker Shoda Shoyu, it serves as a home ground of Thespa Kusatsu. The stadium holds 10,050 people.... |
Tochigi Green Stadium Tochigi Green Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan, home of Tochigi S.C..Originally it was a stadium with a single concrete stand and grass terraces on the other sides. A new concrete stand was built opposite the main stand and opened for the 2011 season. The stadium's capacity is 18,025... |
Pocari Sweat Stadium Naruto Athletic Stadium Pocarisweat Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Naruto, Tokushima, Japan. It is currently used mostly for football matches. It serves as a home ground of Tokushima Vortis. The stadium holds 20,441 people.- External links :*... |
Ajinomoto Stadium | Mitsuzawa Stadium Mitsuzawa Stadium Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium is a football stadium in Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Japan. It serves as a home ground of Yokohama F.C. and, on occasion, Yokohama F. Marinos. Until 1999 it had been the home of Yokohama F.C.'s spiritual predecessor, Yokohama Flügels, and also, on occasion, to Kawasaki-based... |
| Capacity: 10,050 | Capacity: 18,025 | Capacity: 20,441 | Capacity: 50,000 | Capacity: 15,046 |
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Championship/Promotion History
The top two clubs receive promotion. From the 2004 season to the 2008 seasone, the 3rd placed club plays Promotion/Relegation SeriesJ. League Promotion/Relegation Series
In 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club...
against 16th-placed club in J1. Starting from the 2009 season, the 3rd placed club is promoted by default.
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | 3rd Place | 4th Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 1999 J. League Division 2 -Final table:... |
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| 2000 2000 J. League Division 2 -Final table:... |
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| 2001 2001 J. League Division 2 -Overview:It was contested by 12 teams, and Kyoto Purple Sanga won the championship.-Final table:... |
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| 2002 2002 J. League Division 2 The 2002 J. League Division 2 season is the 31st season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 4th season since the establishment of J2 League.... |
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| 2003 2003 J. League Division 2 The 2003 J. League Division 2 season is the 32nd season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 5th season since the establishment of J2 League.... |
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| 2004 2004 J. League Division 2 The 2004 J. League Division 2 season is the 33rd season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 6th season since the establishment of J2 League.... |
† | |||
| 2005 2005 J. League Division 2 The 2005 J. League Division 2 season is the 34th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 7th season since the establishment of J2 League.... |
‡ | |||
| 2006 2006 J. League Division 2 The 2006 J. League Division 2 season is the 35th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 8th season since the establishment of J2 League.... |
‡ | |||
| 2007 2007 J. League Division 2 The 2007 J. League Division 2 season is the 36th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 9th season since the establishment of J2 League. The season began on March 3 and ended on December 1.... |
‡ | |||
| 2008 2008 J. League Division 2 The 2008 J. League Division 2 season is the 37th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 10th season since the establishment of J2 League. The season started on March 8 and ended on December 6.... |
† | |||
| 2009 2009 J. League Division 2 The 2009 J. League Division 2 season was the 38th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 11th season since the establishment of J2 League. The season started on March 7 and ended on December 5.... |
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| 2010 2010 J. League Division 2 The 2010 J. League Division 2 season was the 39th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 12th season since the establishment of J2 League. The season began on March 6 and ended on December 4.... |
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| 2011 2011 J. League Division 2 The 2011 J. League Division 2 season is the 40th season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 13th season since the establishment of J2 League... |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
* Bold designates the promoted club; † Lost the Promotion/Relegation Series
J. League Promotion/Relegation Series
In 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club...
; ‡ Won the Promotion/Relegation Series
J. League Promotion/Relegation Series
In 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club...
and promoted
Other tournaments
Domestic Tournaments- Emperor's CupEmperor's Cup, commonly known as or , is a Japanese association football competition. It has the longest tradition of any football tournament in Japan, dating back to 1921, before the formation of the J. League, Japan Football League and their predecessor, Japan Soccer League...
(1921—) - XEROX Super CupJapanese Super CupThe Japanese Super Cup or is an annual one-match football competition in Japan organised by J. League and the Japan Football Association . This competition serves as the season opener and is played between the J. League Champions and the Emperor's Cup Winners of the previous season...
(1994—)
Defunct Tournament
- Promotion/Relegation SeriesJ. League Promotion/Relegation SeriesIn 2004, J. League introduced a series of two test matches called League between the sixteenth-place J. Division 1 club and third-place J.league Division 2 club...
(2004–2008)
Players
- List of J. League players
- List of J-League players from Japan
- List of J-League players from AFC
- List of J-League players from CAF
- List of J-League players from CONCACAF
- List of J-League players from CONMEBOL
- List of J-League players from OFC
- List of J-League players from UEFA
See also
- J. League recordsJ. League records-Individual:*Most career goals : 157 goals*Most career hat-tricks : 8 times*Most career appearances : 412 appearances*Most goals in a season : 36 goals*Most hat-tricks in a season : 5 times*Most goals in a game : 5 goals**Kashima Antlers *Longest uninterrupted spell in J1: 17 years **Kashima...
- J. League contractsJ. League contractsContracts in Japan's professional soccer league are subject to certain rules and regulations. Mainly, there are three types of contracts, as described below:-Professional A:Base Salary: ¥4.8 million and up...
- Winning Eleven (Official video game)