Japanese Regional Leagues
Encyclopedia
Japanese Regional Leagues (地域リーグ Chiiki Rīgu) are a group of parallel association football leagues in Japan
that are organized on the regional basis. They form the fourth (and sometimes, fifth) tier of the Japanese association football league system below the nationwide Japan Football League
.
, which doesn't exist on the football map and is instead split into Hokushin'etsu and Tōkai. The latter also includes Mie Prefecture
, which is elsewhere considered to be part of Kansai. Yamanashi Prefecture
, on the contrary, while being traditionally part of Chūbu, belongs to Kantō in football.
All regional league champions earn the right to participate in the All Japan Regional Football Promotion League Series
at the end of the year. Runner-ups may also qualify according to criteria set by the Japan Football Association
.
Regional league clubs also compete in the All Japan Senior Football Championship
, a cup competition
. The winner of this cup also earns a berth in the All Japan Promotion Series, and the runner-up may also qualify depending on space and JFA criteria.
Regional league clubs must win the qualifying cup in their home prefecture in order to compete in the Emperor's Cup
.
Since the divisions rarely go over 10 members, the season is shorter and long summer breaks may be taken.
Among existing Japanese clubs, nine professional and one amateur club have never played in the regional leagues. They are Japan Soccer League
co-founders , , , , (listed under current names, all created in 1965); an independent who have been established as a professional club upon J. League
creation in 1992; who took over the folded in former JFL in 1997; who were directly admitted into the Japan Football League
in 1999 upon their formation; that formed in 2008 as a result of the fusion of JFL clubs and ; and similarly merger-created in 2006 descendants of Sagawa Express company teams from Tokyo
and Osaka
JFL powerhouses .
Division 1
Division 2
Withdrawals
Due to 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
that had occurred on March 11 and following withdrawals, the format of 2011 Tohoku League were changed. In Division 1, F.C. Primeiro (Fukushima Prefecture
) withdrew. In Division 2, both block merged with 11 teams, the 5 remaining teams withdrew. These teams are Cobaltore Onagawa (Onagawa, Miyagi
), F.C. Scheinen Fukushima (Fukushima, Fukushima
), Bandits Iwaki (Iwaki, Fukushima
), Merry (Fukushima Prefecture
), Iwaki Furukawa F.C. (Iwaki, Fukushima
).
Division 1 (Ryūgasaki, Ibaraki
)
Division 2
Division 1
Division 2
Division 2
Division 1
Division 2
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...
that are organized on the regional basis. They form the fourth (and sometimes, fifth) tier of the Japanese association football league system below the nationwide 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...
.
Overview
Traditionally, Japan has been divided into eight regions, but for the football purposes the number is nine. The main differences are related to ChūbuChubu region
The is the central region of Honshū, Japan's main island. Chūbu has a population estimate of 21,886,324 as of 2008.Chūbu, which means "central region", encompasses nine prefectures : Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, Yamanashi, and often Mie.It is located directly...
, which doesn't exist on the football map and is instead split into Hokushin'etsu and Tōkai. The latter also includes Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan which is part of the Kansai regions on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Tsu.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, Mie prefecture was known as Ise Province and Iga Province....
, which is elsewhere considered to be part of Kansai. Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of the island of Honshū. The capital is the city of Kōfu.-Pre-history to the 14th century:People have been living in the Yamanashi area for about 30,000 years...
, on the contrary, while being traditionally part of Chūbu, belongs to Kantō in football.
All regional league champions earn the right to participate in the 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...
at the end of the year. Runner-ups may also qualify according to criteria set by the Japan Football Association
Japan Football Association
The Japan Football Association, sometimes known as the Japan Soccer Association , is the governing body responsible for the administration of association football in Japan. It is responsible for the national team as well as club competitions....
.
Regional league clubs also compete in 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...
, a cup competition
Single-elimination tournament
A single-elimination tournament, also called a knockout, cup or sudden death tournament, is a type of elimination tournament where the loser of each match or bracket is immediately eliminated from winning the championship or first prize in the event...
. The winner of this cup also earns a berth in the All Japan Promotion Series, and the runner-up may also qualify depending on space and JFA criteria.
Regional league clubs must win the qualifying cup in their home prefecture in order to compete in the Emperor's Cup
Emperor'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...
.
Since the divisions rarely go over 10 members, the season is shorter and long summer breaks may be taken.
Among existing Japanese clubs, nine professional and one amateur club have never played in the regional leagues. They are Japan Soccer League
Japan 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...
co-founders , , , , (listed under current names, all created in 1965); an independent who have been established as a professional club upon J. League
J. League
The or is the top division of and is the top professional association football league in Japan. It is one of the most successful leagues in Asian club football and the only league given top class 'A' ranking by the AFC. Currently, J. League Division 1 is the first level of the Japanese...
creation in 1992; who took over the folded in former JFL in 1997; who were directly admitted into the 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...
in 1999 upon their formation; that formed in 2008 as a result of the fusion of JFL clubs and ; and similarly merger-created in 2006 descendants of Sagawa Express company teams from Tokyo
Sagawa Express Tokyo S.C.
Sagawa Express Tokyo S.C. was an industrial-league association football team based in the Kōtō, Tokyo. The team was founded in 1991 and was a member of the Japan Football League from 2001–2007, when it merged with Sagawa Express Osaka S.C. to form Sagawa Shiga F.C...
and Osaka
Sagawa Express Osaka S.C.
Sagawa Express Osaka Soccer Club were a Japanese soccer team based in Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka. They were founded in 1965 and played in the Japan Football League from 2002–2007, when they merged with Sagawa Express Tokyo S.C. to form what is now Sagawa Shiga F.C...
JFL powerhouses .
Hokkaidō Soccer League
- Sapporo University Goal Plunderer (Sapporo, HokkaidōSapporo, Hokkaidois the fourth-largest city in Japan by population, and the largest city on the island of Hokkaido. It is the capital of Hokkaidō Prefecture, located in Ishikari Subprefecture, and an ordinance-designated city of Japan....
) - Club Fields Norbritz Hokkaidō Football Club (Ebetsu, HokkaidōEbetsu, Hokkaidois a city located in Ishikari, Hokkaidō, Japan.- History :Ebetsu was settled originally by Japanese people in 1871, that came from the Miyagi Prefecture on Honshu Island. In 1878, militia men began moving into the area. When the Meiji Government, in 1878, designated Hokkaido as part of Japan,...
) - Sapporo Shūkyūdan (Sapporo, HokkaidōSapporo, Hokkaidois the fourth-largest city in Japan by population, and the largest city on the island of Hokkaido. It is the capital of Hokkaidō Prefecture, located in Ishikari Subprefecture, and an ordinance-designated city of Japan....
) - Rokkatei Marseis (Obihiro, HokkaidōObihiro, Hokkaidois a city located in Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan. Obihiro is the only city in the Tokachi area. The next most populous municipality in Tokachi is the town of Otofuke, with less than a third of Obihiro's population. The city has approximately 500 foreign residents . The city contains the headquarters...
) - Blackpecker Hakodate Football Club (Hakodate, HokkaidōHakodate, Hokkaidois a city and port located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the capital city of Oshima Subprefecture.Hakodate was Japan's first city whose port was opened to foreign trade in 1854 as a result of Convention of Kanagawa, and used to be the most important port in northern Japan...
) - Tokachi Fairsky GenesisTokachi Fairsky GenesisTokachi Fairsky Genesis is a football club based in Obihiro, the capital city of Tokachi Subprefecture of Japan. They play in the Hokkaido Soccer League.Their name is from-History:...
(Obihiro, HokkaidōObihiro, Hokkaidois a city located in Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan. Obihiro is the only city in the Tokachi area. The next most populous municipality in Tokachi is the town of Otofuke, with less than a third of Obihiro's population. The city has approximately 500 foreign residents . The city contains the headquarters...
) - Komazawa OB FC (Tomakomai, HokkaidōTomakomai, Hokkaidois a city and port located in Iburi, Hokkaido, Japan. Though its name implies a small, idyllic town, it is the largest city in the Iburi Subprefecture. As of 2008, it had an estimated population of 173,504 and a population density of 310 persons per km²...
) - Iwamizawa FC Hokushūkai (Iwamizawa, HokkaidōIwamizawa, Hokkaidois a city located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.On March 27, 2006 the town of Kurisawa, and the village of Kita, both from Sorachi District, Sorachi Subprefecture, have merged into Iwamizawa....
)
Tōhoku Soccer League
Division 1
- Grulla MoriokaGrulla Moriokais a Japanese association football club based in Morioka, Iwate. It currently plays in Tohoku League, one of the regional football leagues in Japan, and aims to promote to the J...
(Morioka, IwateMorioka, Iwateis the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, Japan.As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 300,740 and a population density of 588.11 persons per km². The total area is 489.15 km²....
) - Fukushima United F.C. (Fukushima, FukushimaFukushima, Fukushimais the capital city of Fukushima Prefecture in the Tōhoku Region of Japan. As of May 2011 the city has an estimated population of 290,064 and an area of 746.43 km².It lies about 250 km north of Tokyo and 80 km south of Sendai.-History:...
) - NEC Tokin (Taihaku-ku, SendaiTaihaku-ku, Sendaiis a ward located in Sendai in Miyagi, Japan.As of 2005, the ward has an estimated population of 223,530 and the density of 979.49 persons per km²...
) - Morioka Zebra (Morioka, IwateMorioka, Iwateis the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, Japan.As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 300,740 and a population density of 588.11 persons per km². The total area is 489.15 km²....
) - Akita F.C Cambiare (Akita, AkitaAkita, Akitais the capital city of Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan.As of June 11, 2005, with the merger of the former Kawabe District , the city has an estimated population of 323,310 and density of...
) - Shiogama F.C. Wiese (Shiogama, MiyagiShiogama, Miyagiis a city located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 59,429 and a population density of 3,329 persons per km², making it the most densely populated conurbation in Tōhoku...
) - Fuji Club 2003 (Hanamaki, IwateHanamaki, Iwateis a city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. As of March 31, 2011, the city has an estimated total population of 102,455, with a household number of 35,831. Hanamaki is most famous as the birthplace of Kenji Miyazawa and for its onsen. The city recently celebrated the 50th anniversary since its...
)
Division 2
- Vanraure Hachinohe (Hachinohe, AomoriHachinohe, Aomori- Neighbouring municipalities :Aomori Prefecture*Sannohe District**Hashikami**Gonohe**Nanbu*Kamikita District**OiraseIwate Prefecture*Karumai-History:...
) - Omiya Club (Morioka, IwateMorioka, Iwateis the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, Japan.As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 300,740 and a population density of 588.11 persons per km². The total area is 489.15 km²....
) - Tono Club (Tono, IwateTono, Iwateis a city located in Iwate, Japan. The city of Tōno lies near the center of Iwate Prefecture in the floodplain of the Sarugaishi River. It is known as "The City of Folklore" for its rural nature, its preservation of traditional culture and especially for the collection of folktales, Tōno...
) - Mizusawa Club (Mizusawa, IwateMizusawa, IwateMizusawa was a city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.As of 2003, the city had an estimated population of 60,979 and a population density of 629.17 persons per km². The total area was 96.92 km².The city was founded on April 1, 1954....
) - Nippon Steel Corp. Kamaishi S.C. (Kamaishi, IwateKamaishi, Iwateis a small, historic city located on the Sanriku rias coast of Iwate, Japan. As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 41,022 and a density of 92.9 persons per km². The total area is 441.42 km². It is famous in modern times for its steel production and most recently for its promotion...
) - Reinmeer Aomori F.C. (Aomori, AomoriAomori, Aomoriis the capital city of Aomori Prefecture, in the northern Tōhoku region of Japan. As of 2009, the city had an estimated population of 302,068 and a density of 366 persons per km². Its total area was 824.52 km².- History :...
) - F.C. Ganju Iwate (Morioka, IwateMorioka, Iwateis the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, Japan.As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 300,740 and a population density of 588.11 persons per km². The total area is 489.15 km²....
) - TDK Shinwakai (Nikaho, AkitaNikaho, Akitais a city located in Akita, Japan.On October 1, 2005, the town of Nikaho merged with the towns of Kisakata and Konoura, all from Yuri District, to form the city of Nikaho. The new city has an area of 240.61km², and an estimated population of 27,245 as of October 2011.-City Symbols:The city tree is...
) - Sendai Nakata FC (Taihaku-ku, SendaiTaihaku-ku, Sendaiis a ward located in Sendai in Miyagi, Japan.As of 2005, the ward has an estimated population of 223,530 and the density of 979.49 persons per km²...
) - Marysol Matsusima S.C. (Matsushima, MiyagiMatsushima, Miyagiis a town located in Miyagi District, Miyagi, Japan. It is most famous as the location of Matsushima Bay, one of the Three Views of Japan, and is also the site of the Zuigan-ji, one of the most famous Zen temples in Tōhoku, Entsū-in and Kanrantei....
) - F.C. Parafrente Yonezawa (Yonezawa, YamagataYonezawa, Yamagatais a city located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 91,704 and the population density of 167 persons per square kilometer...
)
Withdrawals
Due to 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
that had occurred on March 11 and following withdrawals, the format of 2011 Tohoku League were changed. In Division 1, F.C. Primeiro (Fukushima Prefecture
Fukushima Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region on the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Fukushima.-History:Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Fukushima prefecture was known as Mutsu Province....
) withdrew. In Division 2, both block merged with 11 teams, the 5 remaining teams withdrew. These teams are Cobaltore Onagawa (Onagawa, Miyagi
Onagawa, Miyagi
is a town located in Oshika District, Miyagi, Japan. The town was formed in 1926. The town takes pride in the fact that it still has beaches with "squeaking sand", which has apparently become rare in Japan due to human induced environmental changes. Onagawa is a port town, and right at the...
), F.C. Scheinen Fukushima (Fukushima, Fukushima
Fukushima, Fukushima
is the capital city of Fukushima Prefecture in the Tōhoku Region of Japan. As of May 2011 the city has an estimated population of 290,064 and an area of 746.43 km².It lies about 250 km north of Tokyo and 80 km south of Sendai.-History:...
), Bandits Iwaki (Iwaki, Fukushima
Iwaki, Fukushima
is a city located in the southern part of the Hamadōri coastal region of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.A designated "core city", Iwaki is also one of the growing number of hiragana cities. Its area is 1,231.35 km², making it the 10th largest city in Japan...
), Merry (Fukushima Prefecture
Fukushima Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region on the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Fukushima.-History:Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Fukushima prefecture was known as Mutsu Province....
), Iwaki Furukawa F.C. (Iwaki, Fukushima
Iwaki, Fukushima
is a city located in the southern part of the Hamadōri coastal region of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.A designated "core city", Iwaki is also one of the growing number of hiragana cities. Its area is 1,231.35 km², making it the 10th largest city in Japan...
).
Kantō Soccer League
Division 1 (Ryūgasaki, Ibaraki
Ryugasaki, Ibaraki
is a city located in Ibaraki, Japan.-Overview:As of April 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 79,269, with household number being 30,470, and a population density of . The total area is ....
)
- Yokohama Sports & Culture Club (Naka-ku, YokohamaNaka-ku, Yokohamais one of the 18 wards of the city of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 2010, the ward had an estimated population of 146,563and a density of 7,080 persons per km². The total area was 20.86 km².-Geography:...
) - Saitama S.C. (Sayama, SaitamaSayama, Saitama, formerly known as Irumagawa, is a city located in Saitama, Japan. Sayama translates as "sitting on a mountain”. The city was founded on July 1, 1954....
) - F.C. Korea (Tokyo)
- Vertfee Takahara Nasu (Yaita, TochigiYaita, Tochigiis a city located in Tochigi, Japan.As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 36,259 and the density of 212.46 persons per km². The total area is 170.66 km².The city was founded on November 1, 1958....
) - Tonan Maebashi (Maebashi, GunmaMaebashi, Gunmais the capital city of Gunma Prefecture, Japan.The city was founded on April 1, 1892, by the samurai Makuba Kawai.On December 5, 2004 the town of Ōgo, and the villages of Kasukawa and Miyagi, all from Seta District, were merged into Maebashi....
) - Toho Titanium S.C. (Chigasaki, KanagawaChigasaki, Kanagawais a city located in central, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 2010, the city had an estimated population of 234,400 and a density of 6,540 persons per km²...
) - Kanagawa-ken Kyoin S.C. (Tsurumi-ku, YokohamaTsurumi-ku, Yokohamais one of the 18 wards of the city of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 2010, the ward had an estimated population of 270,433 and a density of 8,140 persons per km²...
)
Division 2
- JMSDF Atsugi Marcus (Atsugi, KanagawaAtsugi, Kanagawais a city located in central Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 225,622 and a population density of 2,410 persons per km². The total area was 93.83 km²...
) - Club DragonsRyutsu Keizai University F.C.are a Japanese football club based in Ryugasaki, Ibaraki Prefecture. They play in the Japan Football League as well as the Kantō University league Division 1. Their team colours are grey and navy.-History:...
(Ryūgasaki, IbarakiRyugasaki, Ibarakiis a city located in Ibaraki, Japan.-Overview:As of April 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 79,269, with household number being 30,470, and a population density of . The total area is ....
) - A.C. Almaleza (Hannō, SaitamaHanno, Saitamais a city in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.As of April 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 82,683 and a population density of 614.29 per km²...
) - Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance football culb (Chiyoda, TokyoChiyoda, Tokyois one of the 23 special wards in central Tokyo, Japan. In English, it is called Chiyoda ward. As of October 2007, the ward has an estimated population of 45,543 and a population density of 3,912 people per km², making it by far the least populated of the special wards...
) - Hitachi Building System S.C. (Chiyoda, TokyoChiyoda, Tokyois one of the 23 special wards in central Tokyo, Japan. In English, it is called Chiyoda ward. As of October 2007, the ward has an estimated population of 45,543 and a population density of 3,912 people per km², making it by far the least populated of the special wards...
) - Aries F.C. Tokyo (Nerima, TokyoNerima, Tokyois one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself Nerima City.As of August 1, 2007, the ward has an estimated population of 703,005 , and a density of 14,443 persons per km². 12,897 foreign residents are registered in the ward. 18.4% of the ward's population is over the...
) - Yokohama Takeru (Yokohama, Kanagawa)
- 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:*...
(Sagamihara, KanagawaSagamihara, Kanagawais a city located in north central Kanagawa Prefecture, bordering Tokyo, Japan. It is the third most populous city in the prefecture, after Yokohama and Kawasaki, and the fifth most populous suburb of Greater Tokyo. Its northern neighbor is Machida, with which a cross-prefectural merger has been...
)
Hokushin'etsu Football League
Division 1
- Japan Soccer College (Seiro, NiigataSeiro, Niigatais a town located in Kitakanbara District, Niigata, Japan.As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 13,474 and a density of 354.67 persons per km². The total area is 37.99 km².-External links:*...
) - F.C. Ueda Gentian (Ueda, Nagano)
- Granscena Niigata (Niigata, NiigataNiigata, Niigatais the capital and the most populous city of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It lies on the northwest coast of Honshu, the largest island of Japan, and faces the Sea of Japan and Sado Island....
) - Saurcos Fukui (Awara, FukuiAwara, Fukuiis a city located in Fukui, Japan.As of October 1, 2005, the city has an estimated population of 31,080 and the density of 265.66 persons per km². The total area is 116.99 km²....
) - Teihens F.C. (Hakusan, IshikawaHakusan, Ishikawais a city located in Ishikawa, Japan.The city was founded on February 1, 2005 from the merger of the city of Mattō with seven towns and villages from Ishikawa District. As of April 1, 2008 population data, the city has an estimated population of 110,654 and a density of 147 persons per km²...
) - Valiente Toyama (Toyama, ToyamaToyama, Toyamais the capital city of Toyama Prefecture, Japan, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in the Chūbu region on central Honshū, about 200 km north of the city of Nagoya and 300 km northwest of Tokyo....
) - Artista Tōmi (Tōmi, NaganoTomi, Naganois a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.The city was founded on April 1, 2004, when the village of Kitamimaki from Kitasaku District and the town of Tōbu from Chiisagata District merged to form a new city....
) - Fukui KSC (Fukui, FukuiFukui, Fukuiis the capital of Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The city is located in the north-central part of the prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan.-Demographics:...
)
Division 2
- F.C. Antelope Shiojiri (Shiojiri, NaganoShiojiri, Naganois a city located in Nagano, Japan. Its name literally means "the end of salt".-History:Municipal Area Changes* April 1, 1927-The village of Shiojiri gained town status....
) - Cups Seiro (Seiro, NiigataSeiro, Niigatais a town located in Kitakanbara District, Niigata, Japan.As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 13,474 and a density of 354.67 persons per km². The total area is 37.99 km².-External links:*...
) - Niigata University of Management F.C. (Kamo, NiigataKamo, Niigatais a city located in Niigata, Japan, roughly halfway between the two larger cities of Nagaoka and Niigata.As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 32,422 and the density of 242.55 persons per km². The total area is 133.67 km². It was founded on March 10, 1954.Kamo is a popular...
) - Maruoka Phoenix F.C. (Sakai, FukuiSakai, Fukuiis a city located in Fukui, Japan. It lies to the north of Fukui City. It was founded on March 20, 2006, by the merger of the towns of Harue, Maruoka, Mikuni, and Sakai of the former Sakai District, which was dissolved in this merger....
) - Niigata University of Health and Welfare F.C. (Niigata, NiigataNiigata, Niigatais the capital and the most populous city of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It lies on the northwest coast of Honshu, the largest island of Japan, and faces the Sea of Japan and Sado Island....
) - Goals F.C. (Hakusan, IshikawaHakusan, Ishikawais a city located in Ishikawa, Japan.The city was founded on February 1, 2005 from the merger of the city of Mattō with seven towns and villages from Ishikawa District. As of April 1, 2008 population data, the city has an estimated population of 110,654 and a density of 147 persons per km²...
) - Toyama Shinjo Club (Toyama, ToyamaToyama, Toyamais the capital city of Toyama Prefecture, Japan, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in the Chūbu region on central Honshū, about 200 km north of the city of Nagoya and 300 km northwest of Tokyo....
) - AS Jamineiro (Niigata, NiigataNiigata, Niigatais the capital and the most populous city of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It lies on the northwest coast of Honshu, the largest island of Japan, and faces the Sea of Japan and Sado Island....
)
Tōkai Adult League
Division 1- Fujieda MYFC (Fujieda, ShizuokaFujieda, Shizuokais a city located in Shizuoka, Japan. The modern city was founded on March 31, 1954. As of February 2009, the town has an estimated population of 142,023 and a density of 732 persons per km². The total area is 194.03 km².-Geography:...
) - F.C. KariyaF.C. Kariyaare a football club based in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. They play in the Tokai Regional League Division 1. Their team colours are white and red.- History :The club was founded in 1949 as Nippon Denso Soccer Club...
(Kariya, AichiKariya, Aichiis a city located in central Aichi Prefecture, Japan. As of October 2011, the city had an estimated population of 145,955 and a population density of 2890 persons per km²...
) - Maruyasu Industries S.C. (Showa-ku, NagoyaShowa-ku, Nagoyais one of the 16 wards of the city of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.Currently, it has the highest population density of any of the 16 wards of Nagoya City at 9,641 people per square kilometer -Notable Places:...
) - F.C. Suzuka RampoleF.C. Suzuka Rampoleis a Japanese football club based in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture. They play in Tōkai Regional League Division 1.-History:The club was originally established in Nabari, Mie in 1980 under the name "Mie Club", and it became a member of Mie Football Association to join the Mie prefectural league in 1982...
(Suzuka, MieSuzuka, Mieis a city located in Mie, Japan.As of 2011, the city has an estimated population of 198,716 and the density of 1,020 people per km². The total area is 194.67 km².Located about 83 km east from Nara, and 52 km southwest from Nagoya.-History:...
) - Fujieda City Hall S.C. (Fujieda, ShizuokaFujieda, Shizuokais a city located in Shizuoka, Japan. The modern city was founded on March 31, 1954. As of February 2009, the town has an estimated population of 142,023 and a density of 732 persons per km². The total area is 194.03 km².-Geography:...
) - Yazaki Valente (Shimada, ShizuokaShimada, Shizuokais a city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. As of February 2010, the city has an estimated population of 100,846 and a population density of 319 persons per km². The total area is 315.88 km².-Geography:...
) - F.C. Gifu SECONDF.C. Gifuis 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:...
(Gifu, GifuGifu, Gifuis a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used...
) - Toyota Shūkyūdan (Aichi PrefectureAichi Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :...
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Division 2
- Hamamatsu University F.C. (Hamamatsu, ShizuokaHamamatsu, Shizuokais a city located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. On July 1, 2005, the city merged with 11 surrounding cities and towns. It became a city designated by government ordinance on April 1, 2007.- History :...
) - Chūkyō University F.C. (Toyota, AichiToyota, Aichiis a city located in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, Japan, east of Nagoya.Toyota's main plant, the Tsutsumi plant, is located here. The longstanding ties between the Toyota Motor Corporation and the town of Toyota-shi, formerly known as Koromo, gave the town its current...
) - Fuyō Club (Shizuoka prefectureShizuoka Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on Honshu island. The capital is the city of Shizuoka.- History :Shizuoka prefecture was formed from the former Tōtōmi, Suruga and Izu provinces.The area was the home of the first Tokugawa Shogun...
) - Chukyo univ.FC (Aichi PrefectureAichi Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :...
) - Kasugai Club (Kasugai, AichiKasugai, Aichiis a city located in Aichi, Japan. The city was founded on June 1, 1943. As of March 1, 2010, the city had an estimated population of 303,181 and a density of . The total area is ....
) - Konica Minolta S.C. Toyokawa (Toyokawa, AichiToyokawa, Aichiis a medium-sized city of about 180,000 people located in the eastern part of Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The city, founded on June 1, 1943, originally comprised the three formerly independent Hoi-gun towns of Toyokawa , Ko , Ushikubo , and the village of Yawata...
) - Ise YAMATO F.C. (Ise, MieIse, Mie, formerly called Ujiyamada , is a city located in eastern Mie Prefecture, on the island of Honshū, Japan.Ise is home to Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shintō Shrine in Japan, and is thus a very popular destination for tourists. The city has a long-standing nickname—Shinto —that roughly means...
) - Nagara club (Gifu, GifuGifu, Gifuis a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used...
) - VOLARE FC Hamamatsu (Hamamatsu, ShizuokaHamamatsu, Shizuokais a city located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. On July 1, 2005, the city merged with 11 surrounding cities and towns. It became a city designated by government ordinance on April 1, 2007.- History :...
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Kansai Soccer League
Division 1
- Sanyō Electric Sumoto S.C. (Sumoto, HyogoSumoto, Hyogois a city located on Awaji Island, Hyōgo, Japan. The city was founded on February 11, 1940.As of March 31, 2008, the city has an estimated population of 50,087 and a density of 267 persons per km²...
) - Ain Foods S.C. (Izumi, OsakaIzumi, Osakais a city located in Osaka, Japan.The city was founded on September 1, 1956.As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 181,935 and the density of 2,140 persons per km². The total area is 84.98 km². It is the last station on the Semboku Kousoku monorail line （泉北高速鉄道） at Izumi Chuo...
) - Hannan University F.C. (Matsubara, OsakaMatsubara, Osakais a city located in Osaka, Japan. The city was founded on February 1, 1955.Hannan University is located in Matsubara. Hannan University is a mid-sized liberal arts university with a focus on business and technology.-Adjacent municipalities:*Osaka...
) - Nara ClubNara Clubis a Japanese football club based in Nara, Nara Prefecture. They play in Kansai Regional League Division 1.-History:The Club originally established in Nara in 1991 under the name and it became a member of Football Association of Nara. The club went up to the top division in 1997.It renamed to...
(Nara, NaraNara, Narais the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
) - AS. Laranja Kyoto (Sakyo-ku, KyotoSakyo-ku, Kyotois one of the eleven wards in the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It was created in 1929 when it was split off from Kamigyo-ku.It is located in the north-east corner of Kyoto city. In the east it borders the city of Ōtsu in Shiga Prefecture. In the south Sanjō Street separates it from...
) - Banditonce Kakogawa F.C. (Kakogawa, HyogoKakogawa, Hyogois a city located in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on June 15, 1950.As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 268,565 and a population density of 1,940 persons per km². The total area is 138.51 km²...
) - TOJITSU Shiga F.C. (Moriyama, ShigaMoriyama, Shigais a city located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.As of August 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 77,384 and the density of 1,390 persons per km². The total area is 55.73 km²....
) - Amitte SC Kyoto (Kyoto, Kyoto)
Division 2
- Biwako S.C. Hira (Otsu, ShigaOtsu, Shigais the capital city of Shiga, Japan. The city was founded on October 1, 1898. As of October 1, 2010, the city has an estimated population of 338,629 with an average age of 40.7 years and a population density of 905.28 persons per km²...
) - Renaiss Koga S.C. (Koka, ShigaKoka, Shigais a city located in the southern part of Shiga Prefecture, Japan....
) - Diablossa Takada F.C. (Yamatotakada, NaraYamatotakada, Narais a city located in Nara Prefecture, Japan.The city continues to develop as a local business and government center in the center of Nara Prefecture.- History :...
) - Kwangaku Club (Nishinomiya, HyōgoNishinomiya, Hyogois a city located in Hyōgo, Japan, between the cities of Ōsaka and Kōbe. On April 1, 2005, the city of Nishinomiya celebrated its 80th anniversary. It is best known as the home of Kōshien Stadium, where the Hanshin Tigers baseball team plays home games and where Japan's annual high school baseball...
) - Kyoto Shiko Club (Kita-ku, KyotoKita-ku, Kyotois one of the eleven wards in the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Its name means "North Ward." As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population of 122,391 people.-Universities:*Bukkyo University*Kyoto Sangyo University...
) - Kobe F.C. 1970 (Nada-ku, KobeNada-ku, Kobeis one of 9 wards of Kobe in Japan. It has an area of 31.4 km², and a population of 129,095 .A leading national university in Japan, Kobe University, is located in this ward, as is the city's Oji Zoo....
) - Arterivo Wakayama (Wakayama PrefectureWakayama Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Wakayama.- History :Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the province of Kii.- 1953 Wakayama Prefecture flood disaster :...
) - OSAKA KOREAN FC (Osaka PrefectureOsaka Prefectureis a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :...
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Chūgoku Soccer League
- Renofa Yamaguchi (Shimonoseki, YamaguchiShimonoseki, Yamaguchiis a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It is at the southwestern tip of Honshū, facing the Tsushima Strait and also Kitakyushu across the Kanmon Straits....
) - Dezzolla Shimane (Hamada, ShimaneHamada, Shimaneis a city located in Shimane, Japan. It is the third largest city in the prefecture and is located at the south-western end of the prefecture. It is a coastal city on the Sea of Japan and possesses beautiful white-sand beaches, which make the city a popular destination for local tourists in the...
) - Matsue City F.C. (Matsue, ShimaneMatsue, Shimaneis the capital city of Shimane Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of Japan.As of August, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 207,000, following its most recent merging with Higashi-Izumo...
) - Fagiano Okayama Next (Okayama, OkayamaOkayama, Okayamais the capital city of Okayama Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of Japan.The city was founded on June 1, 1889. As of August 2010, the city has an estimated population of 705,224 and a population density of 893 persons per km². The total area is 789.88 km²....
) - NTN Okayama (Okayama, OkayamaOkayama, Okayamais the capital city of Okayama Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of Japan.The city was founded on June 1, 1889. As of August 2010, the city has an estimated population of 705,224 and a population density of 893 persons per km². The total area is 789.88 km²....
) - Sagawa Express Chūgoku (Hiroshima PrefectureHiroshima Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūgoku region on Honshu island. The capital is the city of Hiroshima.- History :The area around Hiroshima was formerly divided into Bingo Province and Aki Province. This location has been a center of trade and culture since the beginning of Japan's recorded...
) - JX Nippon Oil & Energy Mizushima F.C. (Kurashiki, OkayamaKurashiki, Okayamais a historic city located to the west of Okayama Prefecture, Japan, sitting on the Takahashi River, on the coast of the Inland Sea.As of April 2010, the city has a population of 473,392. The total area is .-History:...
) - F.C. Ube Yahhh-man (Ube, YamaguchiUbe, Yamaguchiis a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan on the Seto Inland Sea.As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 179,000 and the density of 622 persons per km². The total area is 287.69 km².The city was founded on November 1, 1921....
) - Fuji Xerox Hiroshima S.C. (Hiroshima, Hiroshima)
- Mitsubishi Motors Mizushima F.C.Mitsubishi Motors Mizushima F.C.are a football club based in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. They play in the Okayama Prefectural League Division 1.-History:The club was founded in 1946 to provide recreational activities in the war-torn Mizushima area of Kurashiki city...
(Kurashiki, OkayamaKurashiki, Okayamais a historic city located to the west of Okayama Prefecture, Japan, sitting on the Takahashi River, on the coast of the Inland Sea.As of April 2010, the city has a population of 473,392. The total area is .-History:...
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Shikoku Adult League
- Ehime F.C. ShimanamiEhime 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."...
(Imabari, EhimeImabari, Ehimeis a city located in Ehime, Japan. It is the second largest city in Ehime prefecture.Following a recent merger, the city has an estimated population of 172,384 and density of 410.87 persons per km². The total area is .-Transportation:...
) - Nangoku Kochi F.C. (Kōchi, KōchiKochi, Kochiis the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture on Shikoku island of Japan.Kōchi is the main city of the prefecture with over 40% of its population. As of May 31, 2008, the city had an estimated population of 340,515 and a density of...
) - Sanyō Electric Tokushima S.C. (Matsushige, TokushimaMatsushige, Tokushimais a town located in Itano District, Tokushima, Japan.As of 2003, the town haa an estimated population of 14,797 and a density of 1,129.54 per km². The total area is 13.10 km²....
) - R.VELHO (Kagawa PrefectureKagawa Prefectureis a prefecture of Japan located on Shikoku island. The capital is Takamatsu.- History :Kagawa was formerly known as Sanuki Province.For a brief period between August 1876 and December 1888, Kagawa was made a part of Ehime Prefecture.-Battle of Yashima:...
) - Kuroshio F.C. (Kōchi, KōchiKochi, Kochiis the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture on Shikoku island of Japan.Kōchi is the main city of the prefecture with over 40% of its population. As of May 31, 2008, the city had an estimated population of 340,515 and a density of...
) - Minami Club (Takamatsu, KagawaTakamatsu, Kagawais a city located in central Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan, and is the seat of the prefectural government. It is designated a core city by the Japanese Government. It is a port city located on the Seto Inland Sea, and is the closest port to Honshu from Shikoku island...
) - Korean F.C. Saijo (Saijō, EhimeSaijo, Ehimeis a city located in Ehime, Japan.On November 1, 2004 the old city of Tōyo, and the towns of Komatsu and Tanbara, both from Shūsō District, were merged with Saijō.The city was founded on April 29, 1941.The main city of Saijō is known for natural spring water...
) - Showa Club (Kōchi, KōchiKochi, Kochiis the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture on Shikoku island of Japan.Kōchi is the main city of the prefecture with over 40% of its population. As of May 31, 2008, the city had an estimated population of 340,515 and a density of...
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Kyūshū Soccer League
- HOYO AC ELAN Ōita (Ōita, ŌitaOita, Oitais the capital city of Ōita Prefecture located on the island of Kyushu, Japan.- Demographics and geography :Ōita is the most populous city in Ōita Prefecture...
) - Volca Kagoshima (Kagoshima, KagoshimaKagoshima, Kagoshimais the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the Kyūshū island of Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture by some margin...
) - Nippon Steel Corp. Oita S.C. (Ōita, ŌitaOita, Oitais the capital city of Ōita Prefecture located on the island of Kyushu, Japan.- Demographics and geography :Ōita is the most populous city in Ōita Prefecture...
) - Kyushu Sogo Sports College F.C. (Usa, OitaUsa, Oita' is a city located in Ōita Prefecture, Japan. Usa is famous for being the location of the Usa Shrine, built in 725, the head shrine of all of Hachiman shrines in Japan.Usa is made up of three areas.*Usa, the area surrounding the Usa Shrine...
) - Kyushu Inax F.C. (Kashima, SagaKashima, Sagais a city located in the southern part of Saga Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū, Japan.-Geography:Kashima is located about 60 kilometers southwest of Saga City. It borders the Ariake Sea to the east and Nagasaki Prefecture to the southwest...
) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industrial Nagasaki S.C. (Nagasaki, Nagasaki)
- MSU F.C. (Miyazaki, MiyazakiMiyazaki, Miyazakiis the capital city of Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū in Japan. Located on the coast and perforated by several rivers, Miyazaki City enjoys scenic views of both ocean and nearby, verdant mountains...
) - Kawazoe Club (Saga PrefectureSaga Prefectureis 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...
) - Okinawa Kaihō Bank S.C. (Naha, OkinawaNaha, Okinawais the capital city of the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa.Naha is a coastal city located on the East China Sea coast of the southern part of Okinawa Island, the largest of the Ryukyu Islands...
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