Jump to content

Japan Football League: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(23 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Infobox football league
{{Infobox football league
| name = Japan Football League
| name = Japan Football League
| logo =
| logo = Japan Football League (logo).png
| pixels = 180px
| pixels = 180px
| country = [[Japan]]
| country = [[Japan]]
Line 37: Line 37:
The league suffered another contraction after 2013 season, as 10 of its 18 teams joined the newly created [[J3 League]]. It also moved a tier down the pyramid, making it fourth-tier league since 2014.
The league suffered another contraction after 2013 season, as 10 of its 18 teams joined the newly created [[J3 League]]. It also moved a tier down the pyramid, making it fourth-tier league since 2014.


Four former JFL clubs have competed in the [[J1 League|top flight]]: [[Yokohama FC]] (2007, 2020, 2021 & 2023), [[Tokushima Vortis|Otsuka Pharmaceuticals]] (2014 & 2021 as Tokushima Vortis), [[Matsumoto Yamaga FC|Matsumoto Yamaga]] (2015 & 2019), and [[V-Varen Nagasaki]] (2018).
Five former JFL clubs have competed in the [[J1 League|top flight]]: [[Yokohama FC]] (2007, 2020, 2021 & 2023), [[Tokushima Vortis|Otsuka Pharmaceuticals]] (2014 & 2021 as Tokushima Vortis), [[Matsumoto Yamaga FC|Matsumoto Yamaga]] (2015 & 2019), [[V-Varen Nagasaki]] (2018) and [[Machida Zelvia]] (2024 — present time).


==Overview==
==Overview==
Line 43: Line 43:


===Promotion from JFL===
===Promotion from JFL===
A club that satisfies the following criteria will be promoted to J.League Div. 2 (for the 2012 and 2013 seasons):
A club that satisfied the following criteria was promoted to J.League Div. 2 (for the 2012 and 2013 seasons):
* Have J.League associate membership
* Had J.League associate membership
* Finish the season in the top two in JFL
* Finished the season in the top two in JFL
**If '''only the champion''' is an associate member, it will be automatically promoted.
**If '''only the champion''' had been an associate member, it was automatically promoted.
**If '''both the champion and runner-up''' are associate members, the champion will be automatically promoted and the runner-up will play a promotion/relegation Series against the second-to-last club in the J2.
**If '''both the champion and runner-up''' had been associate members, the champion is automatically promoted and the runner-up plays a promotion/relegation series against the second-to-last club in the J2.
**If '''only the runner-up''' is an associate member, it will play the promotion/relegation Series against the last club in the J2.
**If '''only the runner-up''' had been an associate member, it plays the promotion/relegation series against the last club in the J2.
* Pass the final inspection by the J.League Committee.
* Passed the final inspection by the J.League Committee.


With the establishment of the J3 League in the 2014 season, the top 2 requirements are no longer necessary should a team that is approved by J.League Committee and is a J.League associate member. However, they start in the J3 instead. The JFL is the highest tier of amateur level football in Japan again, but they still serve the purpose of helping potential J.League clubs to participate in the J3.
With the establishment of the J3 League in the 2014 season, the top 2 requirements are no longer necessary should a team that is approved by J.League Committee and is a J.League associate member. However, they start in the J3 instead. The JFL is the highest tier of amateur level football in Japan again, but they still serve the purpose of helping potential J.League clubs to participate in the J3.


At a J.League board meeting in August 2021, 60 clubs, of which 20 are J3, were targeted for the entire league, and a possibility that J3 will have exceeded 20 clubs by the 2023 season was brought up. Mitsuru Murai, the J.League chairman, revealed that he was discussing how to adjust to 20 clubs. At this time, he was asked, "If there is a possibility of the [J3] league having 21 teams, is it okay to understand that there are teams that will fall from J3 to JFL?" While under consideration, he admitted that the J3 and JFL were considering the introduction of relegation to the latter league as early as after the 2022 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jleague.jp/news/article/20587/|title=2021年度 第8回Ｊリーグ理事会後チェアマン定例会見発言録|publisher=J.League|access-date=20 October 2021|date=1 September 2021|language=ja}}</ref> Later in November, Murai announced that promotion from and relegation to the JFL had been planned for the end of 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=２３年にも入れ替え実施　Ｊ３とＪＦＬ |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2021112501185&g=spo |access-date=8 December 2021 |work=Jiji.com |date=25 November 2021 |language=ja |archive-date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125195821/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2021112501185&g=spo |url-status=dead }}</ref>
At a J.League board meeting in August 2021, 60 clubs, of which 20 are J3, were targeted for the entire league, and a possibility that J3 would have exceeded 20 clubs by the 2023 season was brought up. Mitsuru Murai, the J.League chairman, revealed that he was discussing how to adjust to 20 clubs. At this time, he was asked, "If there is a possibility of the [J3] league having 21 teams, is it okay to understand that there are teams that will fall from J3 to JFL?" While under consideration, he admitted that the J3 and JFL were considering the introduction of relegation to the latter league as early as after the 2022 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jleague.jp/news/article/20587/|title=2021年度 第8回Ｊリーグ理事会後チェアマン定例会見発言録|publisher=J.League|access-date=20 October 2021|date=1 September 2021|language=ja}}</ref> Later in November, Murai announced that promotion from and relegation to the JFL had been planned for the end of 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=２３年にも入れ替え実施 Ｊ３とＪＦＬ |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2021112501185&g=spo |access-date=8 December 2021 |work=Jiji.com |date=25 November 2021 |language=ja |archive-date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125195821/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2021112501185&g=spo |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In early January 2023, the J.League introduced the J3–JFL promotion/relegation playoffs, enabling the possibility for teams to be relegated from the J3.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://aboutj.jleague.jp/corporate/en/release/promotion-and-relegation-between-j3-and-jfl-from-2023-season/|title=Promotion and Relegation between J3 and JFL from 2023 Season|access-date=6 January 2023|date=6 January 2023|language=ja|website=J.League}}</ref> The system of promotion and relegation between the J3 and the JFL can be determined by the eligibility (promotion to J3 requires a J.League license) of the JFL's champions and runners-up for the season.
In early January 2023, the J.League introduced the J3–JFL promotion/relegation playoffs, enabling the possibility for teams to be relegated from the J3.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://aboutj.jleague.jp/corporate/en/release/promotion-and-relegation-between-j3-and-jfl-from-2023-season/|title=Promotion and Relegation between J3 and JFL from 2023 Season|access-date=6 January 2023|date=6 January 2023|language=ja|website=J.League}}</ref> The system of promotion and relegation between the J3 and the JFL can be determined by the eligibility (promotion to J3 requires a J.League license) of the JFL's champions and runners-up for the season.
Line 59: Line 59:
*If '''only the JFL champions''' hold a license, they replace automatically the J3's 20th-placed team.
*If '''only the JFL champions''' hold a license, they replace automatically the J3's 20th-placed team.
*If '''only the JFL runners-up''' hold a license, there are promotion/relegation playoffs with the J3's 20th-placed team.
*If '''only the JFL runners-up''' hold a license, there are promotion/relegation playoffs with the J3's 20th-placed team.
*If '''both the JFL champions and runners-up''' hold a license, there will be automatic exchange between the JFL champions and the J3's 20th-placed team, and the runners-up compete in two-legged playoffs with the J3's 19th-placed team.
*If '''both the JFL champions and runners-up''' hold a license, there is automatic exchange between the JFL champions and the J3's 20th-placed team, and the runners-up compete in two-legged playoffs with the J3's 19th-placed team.
*If '''both the JFL champions and runners-up''' do not hold a license, no exchange takes place; the teams placed third and below in the league standings, even if one of them holds a J3 license, are not entitled to promotion and the playoffs.
*If '''both the JFL champions and runners-up''' do not hold a license, no exchange takes place; the teams placed third and below in the league standings, even if one of them holds a J3 license, are not entitled to promotion and the playoffs.


===Relegation from JFL===
===Relegation from JFL===


The team at the bottom of the league will face a direct relegation, exchanging its place with [[Japanese Regional Football Champions League|Regional League promotion competition]] winner, with the team ranked 15th playing the relegation/promotion play-off against the team finishing second in that competition. The number of teams relegated varies depending on the outcome of the play-off or the number of teams withdrawn from the JFL.
The team at the bottom of the league faces a direct relegation, exchanging its place with [[Japanese Regional Football Champions League|Regional League promotion competition]] winner, with the team ranked 15th playing the relegation/promotion play-off against the team finishing second in that competition. The number of teams relegated varies depending on the outcome of the play-off or the number of teams withdrawn from the JFL.


===Emperor's Cup eligibility===
===Emperor's Cup eligibility===
Line 82: Line 82:


===Participating clubs===
===Participating clubs===
{{Locations of the 2024 Japan Football League Teams}}

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!Club name !!First season<br />in JFL !!Seasons<br />in JFL !!Home town(s) !!Current spell<br />in JFL !!Last<br />title !![[J.League 100 Year Plan club status|Qualifiable]] base<br />for J.League
!Club name !!First season<br />in JFL !!Seasons<br />in JFL !!Home town(s) !!Current spell<br />in JFL !!Last<br />title !![[J.League 100 Year Plan club status|Qualifiable]] base<br />for J.League
⚫
|-
| [[Atletico Suzuka Club|Atletico Suzuka]]
⚫
| 2019
⚫
| 5
⚫
| [[Suzuka, Mie|Suzuka]], [[Mie Prefecture|Mie]]
⚫
| 2019–
⚫
| –
⚫
| No
|-
|-
| [[Briobecca Urayasu]]
| [[Briobecca Urayasu]]
Line 110: Line 118:
| No
| No
|-
|-
| [[Kochi United SC|Kochi United]]
| '''[[Kochi United SC|Kochi United]]'''
| 2020
| 2020
| 4
| 4
Line 116: Line 124:
| 2020–
| 2020–
| –
| –
| No
| Yes
|-
|-
| [[FC Maruyasu Okazaki|Maruyasu Okazaki]]
| [[FC Maruyasu Okazaki|Maruyasu Okazaki]]
Line 164: Line 172:
| 1999–
| 1999–
| 2015
| 2015
⚫
| No
⚫
|-
⚫
| [[Suzuka Point Getters]]
⚫
| 2019
⚫
| 5
⚫
| [[Suzuka, Mie|Suzuka]], [[Mie Prefecture|Mie]]
⚫
| 2019–
⚫
| –
| No
| No
|-
|-
Line 182: Line 182:
| No
| No
|-bgcolor="ffccff"
|-bgcolor="ffccff"
| [[Tochigi City FC]]
| '''[[Tochigi City FC]]'''
| 2010
| 2010
| 8
| 8
Line 188: Line 188:
| 2024–
| 2024–
| –
| –
| No
| Yes
⚫
|-
⚫
| [[Yokogawa Musashino FC|Yokogawa Musashino]]
⚫
| 1999
⚫
| 25
⚫
| [[Musashino, Tokyo|Musashino]], [[Tokyo]]
⚫
| 1999–
⚫
| –
⚫
| No
|-
|-
|'''[[Veertien Mie]]'''
|'''[[Veertien Mie]]'''
Line 213: Line 205:
| 2020
| 2020
| Yes
| Yes
⚫
|-
⚫
| [[Yokogawa Musashino FC|Yokogawa Musashino]]
⚫
| 1999
⚫
| 25
⚫
| [[Musashino, Tokyo|Musashino]], [[Tokyo]]
⚫
| 1999–
⚫
| –
⚫
| No
|}
|}


Line 227: Line 227:
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;font-size:100%"
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;font-size:100%"
|-
|-
![[Atletico Suzuka Club|Atletico Suzuka]]
![[Briobecca Urayasu]]
![[Briobecca Urayasu]]
![[Criacao Shinjuku]]
![[Criacao Shinjuku]]
![[Honda FC]]
![[Honda FC]]
⚫
![[Kochi United SC|Kochi United]]
|-
|-
⚫
|[[Mie Suzuka Sports Garden]]
|[[Kashiwanoha Stadium]]
|[[Kashiwanoha Stadium]]
|[[Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka]]
|[[Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka]]
|[[Honda Miyakoda Soccer Stadium]]
|[[Honda Miyakoda Soccer Stadium]]
⚫
|[[Kochi Haruno Athletic Stadium]]
|-
|-
⚫
| Capacity: '''19,694'''
| Capacity: '''20,000'''
| Capacity: '''20,000'''
| Capacity: '''7,258'''
| Capacity: '''7,258'''
| Capacity: '''2,500'''
| Capacity: '''2,500'''
⚫
| Capacity: '''25,000'''
|-
|-
⚫
|[[File:Suzuka Garden 4.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Kashiwanoha200701021.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Kashiwanoha200701021.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Nishigaoka Stadium 1.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Nishigaoka Stadium 1.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:MIYAKODA.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:MIYAKODA.jpg|150px]]
⚫
|[[File:Harunokyu20090213a.jpg|150px]]
|-
|-
|colspan="4" height="6"|
|colspan="4" height="6"|
|-
|-
⚫
![[Kochi United SC|Kochi United]]
![[FC Maruyasu Okazaki|Maruyasu Okazaki]]
![[FC Maruyasu Okazaki|Maruyasu Okazaki]]
![[Minebea Mitsumi FC|Minebea Mitsumi]]
![[Minebea Mitsumi FC|Minebea Mitsumi]]
![[Okinawa SV]]
![[Okinawa SV]]
⚫
![[Reilac Shiga FC|Reilac Shiga]]
|-
|-
⚫
|[[Kochi Haruno Athletic Stadium]]
|[[Maruyasu Okazaki Ryuhoku Stadium]]
|[[Maruyasu Okazaki Ryuhoku Stadium]]
|[[Nobeoka Nishishina Athletic Stadium]]
|[[Nobeoka Nishishina Athletic Stadium]]
|[[Tapic Kenso Hiyagon Stadium]]
|[[Tapic Kenso Hiyagon Stadium]]
⚫
|[[General Sports Park Nunobiki Athletics Stadium]]
|-
|-
⚫
| Capacity: '''25,000'''
| Capacity: '''5,000'''
| Capacity: '''5,000'''
| Capacity: '''15,000'''
| Capacity: '''15,000'''
| Capacity: '''12,270'''
| Capacity: '''12,270'''
⚫
| Capacity: '''5,060'''
|-
|-
⚫
|[[File:Harunokyu20090213a.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Okazaki-City-Ryuhoku-Sogo-Undojo-4.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Okazaki-City-Ryuhoku-Sogo-Undojo-4.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Nishishina Stadium 1.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Nishishina Stadium 1.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Tapic Kenso Hiyagon Stadium 1.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Tapic Kenso Hiyagon Stadium 1.jpg|150px]]
⚫
|[[File:Nunobiki13.JPG|150px]]
|-
|-
|colspan="4" height="6"|
|colspan="4" height="6"|
|-
|-
⚫
![[Reilac Shiga FC|Reilac Shiga]]
![[ReinMeer Aomori]]
![[ReinMeer Aomori]]
![[Sony Sendai FC|Sony Sendai]]
![[Sony Sendai FC|Sony Sendai]]
![[Suzuka Point Getters]]
![[FC Tiamo Hirakata|Tiamo Hirakata]]
![[FC Tiamo Hirakata|Tiamo Hirakata]]
|-
|-
⚫
|[[General Sports Park Nunobiki Athletics Stadium]]
|[[New Aomori Prefecture General Sports Park|Kakuhiro Group Athletic Stadium]]
|[[New Aomori Prefecture General Sports Park|Kakuhiro Group Athletic Stadium]]
|[[Yurtec Stadium Sendai]]
|[[Yurtec Stadium Sendai]]
|[[Mie Suzuka Sports Garden]]
|[[Hirakata City Athletics Stadium]]
|[[Hirakata City Athletics Stadium]]
|-
|-
⚫
| Capacity: '''5,060'''
| Capacity: '''2,500'''
| Capacity: '''2,500'''
| Capacity: '''20,809'''
| Capacity: '''20,809'''
⚫
| Capacity: '''19,694'''
| Capacity: '''12,500'''
| Capacity: '''12,500'''
|-
|-
⚫
|[[File:Nunobiki13.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Field and spectator stand of Shin-Aomori Prefectural Comprehensive Athletic Park Athletics Stadium 004.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Field and spectator stand of Shin-Aomori Prefectural Comprehensive Athletic Park Athletics Stadium 004.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Sendaistadium2.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Sendaistadium2.JPG|150px]]
⚫
|[[File:Suzuka Garden 4.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Hirakata City Athletics Stadium.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Hirakata City Athletics Stadium.jpg|150px]]
|-
|-
Line 294: Line 294:
|-
|-
![[Tochigi City FC]]
![[Tochigi City FC]]
⚫
![[Tokyo Musashino United FC|Tokyo Musashino United]]
![[Veertien Mie]]
![[Veertien Mie]]
![[Verspah Oita]]
![[Verspah Oita]]
⚫
![[Yokogawa Musashino FC|Yokogawa Musashino]]
|-
|-
|[[:ja:CITY FOOTBALL STATION|City Football Station]]
|[[:ja:CITY FOOTBALL STATION|City Football Station]]
⚫
|[[Musashino Municipal Athletic Stadium]]
|[[Asahi Gas Energy Toin Stadium]]
|[[Asahi Gas Energy Toin Stadium]]
|[[Oita Sports Park]]
|[[Oita Sports Park]]
⚫
|[[Musashino Municipal Athletic Stadium]]
|-
|-
| Capacity: '''5,129'''
| Capacity: '''5,129'''
⚫
| Capacity: '''5,192'''
| Capacity: '''5,104'''
| Capacity: '''5,104'''
| Capacity: '''2,040'''
| Capacity: '''2,040'''
⚫
| Capacity: '''5,192'''
|-
|-
|
|
⚫
|[[File:Musashino Athretic Stadium.JPG|150px]]
|[[File:Toin Sports Athletics Arena.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Toin Sports Athletics Arena.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Spopa Soccer & Rugby Football Field 20190120.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Spopa Soccer & Rugby Football Field 20190120.jpg|150px]]
⚫
|[[File:Musashino Athretic Stadium.JPG|150px]]
|}
|}


===Former clubs===
===Former clubs===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Club name !!First season<br />in JFL !!Seasons<br />in JFL !!Hometown(s) !!Last spell<br />in JFL !!Last<br />JFL title !!Current league
!Club name
!First season<br />in JFL
!Seasons<br />in JFL
!Home town(s)
!Last spell<br />in JFL
!Last<br />JFL title
!Current league
|-
|-
| [[ALO's Hokuriku]]
| [[ALO's Hokuriku]]
Line 329: Line 323:
| [[Toyama, Toyama|Toyama]], [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
| [[Toyama, Toyama|Toyama]], [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
| 2000–2007
| 2000–2007
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct, merged into Kataller Toyama}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct, merged into Kataller Toyama}}
|-
|-
Line 337: Line 331:
| [[Takasaki, Gunma|Takasaki]], [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]]
| [[Takasaki, Gunma|Takasaki]], [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]]
| 2004–2011
| 2004–2011
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
|-
|-
Line 345: Line 339:
| [[Numazu, Shizuoka|Numazu]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
| [[Numazu, Shizuoka|Numazu]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
| 2014–2016
| 2014–2016
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 353: Line 347:
| [[Kyoto]], [[Kyoto Prefecture|Kyoto]]
| [[Kyoto]], [[Kyoto Prefecture|Kyoto]]
| 2000–2004
| 2000–2004
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|regional|Kansai League D1}}
| {{sort|regional|Kansai League D1}}
|-
|-
Line 361: Line 355:
| All cities/towns in [[Akita Prefecture|Akita]]
| All cities/towns in [[Akita Prefecture|Akita]]
| 2007–2013
| 2007–2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-
|-
| [[Briobecca Urayasu]]
| [[Briobecca Urayasu]]
| 2016
| 2016
| 2
| 4
| [[Urayasu]], [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
| [[Urayasu]], [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
| 2016–2017
| 2016–2017 2023 & 2024
|&nbsp;–
| –
| JFL
| {{sort|regional|Kantō League D1}}
|-
|-
| [[Cobaltore Onagawa]]
| [[Cobaltore Onagawa]]
Line 377: Line 371:
| [[Onagawa]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]]
| [[Onagawa]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]]
| 2018
| 2018
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|regional|Tohoku League D1}}
| {{sort|regional|Tohoku League D1}}
|-
|-
Line 393: Line 387:
| All cities/towns in [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]]
| All cities/towns in [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]]
| 2008
| 2008
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-
|-
Line 401: Line 395:
| [[Okayama]], [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]]
| [[Okayama]], [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]]
| 2014–2016
| 2014–2016
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
|-
|-
Line 409: Line 403:
| [[Fukushima, Fukushima|Fukushima]], [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]]
| [[Fukushima, Fukushima|Fukushima]], [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]]
| 2013
| 2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 425: Line 419:
| All cities/towns in [[Gifu Prefecture|Gifu]]
| All cities/towns in [[Gifu Prefecture|Gifu]]
| 2007
| 2007
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 433: Line 427:
| [[Mito, Ibaraki|Mito]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]
| [[Mito, Ibaraki|Mito]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]
| 1999
| 1999
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-
|-
Line 441: Line 435:
| [[Imabari, Ehime|Imabari]], [[Ehime Prefecture|Ehime]]
| [[Imabari, Ehime|Imabari]], [[Ehime Prefecture|Ehime]]
| 2017–2019
| 2017–2019
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 457: Line 451:
| [[Numazu, Shizuoka|Numazu]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
| [[Numazu, Shizuoka|Numazu]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
| 1999–2003
| 1999–2003
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
|-
|-
Line 465: Line 459:
| [[Ichihara, Japan|Ichihara]], [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
| [[Ichihara, Japan|Ichihara]], [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
| 2006–2011
| 2006–2011
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
|-
|-
Line 473: Line 467:
| [[Kagoshima]], [[Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]]
| [[Kagoshima]], [[Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]]
| 2014–2015
| 2014–2015
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 489: Line 483:
| All cities/towns in [[Kagawa Prefecture|Kagawa]]
| All cities/towns in [[Kagawa Prefecture|Kagawa]]
| 2011–2013
| 2011–2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 497: Line 491:
| [[Kariya, Aichi|Kariya]], [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]]
| [[Kariya, Aichi|Kariya]], [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]]
| 2021
| 2021
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|regional|Tōkai League D1}}
| {{sort|regional|Tōkai League D1}}
|-
|-
Line 505: Line 499:
| All cities/towns in [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
| All cities/towns in [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
| 2008
| 2008
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 513: Line 507:
| [[Machida, Tokyo|Machida]], [[Tokyo]]
| [[Machida, Tokyo|Machida]], [[Tokyo]]
| 1999–2003
| 1999–2003
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|university|Kantō University League}}
| {{sort|university|Kantō University League}}
|-
|-
Line 521: Line 515:
| [[Kurashiki, Okayama|Kurashiki]], [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]]
| [[Kurashiki, Okayama|Kurashiki]], [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]]
| 2005–2009
| 2005–2009
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|regional|Chugoku League}}
| {{sort|regional|Chugoku League}}
|-
|-
Line 529: Line 523:
| [[Fujieda, Shizuoka|Fujieda]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
| [[Fujieda, Shizuoka|Fujieda]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
| 2012–2013
| 2012–2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-bgcolor="FFCCFF"
|-bgcolor="FFCCFF"
Line 545: Line 539:
| [[Kitakyushu, Fukuoka|Kitakyushu]], [[Fukuoka Prefecture|Fukuoka]]
| [[Kitakyushu, Fukuoka|Kitakyushu]], [[Fukuoka Prefecture|Fukuoka]]
| 2008–2009
| 2008–2009
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-bgcolor="FFCCFF"
|-bgcolor="FFCCFF"
Line 577: Line 571:
| All cities/towns in [[Miyazaki Prefecture|Miyazaki]]
| All cities/towns in [[Miyazaki Prefecture|Miyazaki]]
| 2002
| 2002
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
|-
|-
Line 585: Line 579:
| [[Kumamoto, Kumamoto|Kumamoto]], [[Kumamoto Prefecture|Kumamoto]]
| [[Kumamoto, Kumamoto|Kumamoto]], [[Kumamoto Prefecture|Kumamoto]]
| 2006–2007
| 2006–2007
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-
|-
Line 593: Line 587:
| [[Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi|Yamaguchi]], [[Yamaguchi Prefecture|Yamaguchi]]
| [[Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi|Yamaguchi]], [[Yamaguchi Prefecture|Yamaguchi]]
| 2014
| 2014
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-
|-
Line 601: Line 595:
| All cities/towns in [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]
| All cities/towns in [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]
| 2006–2013
| 2006–2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 609: Line 603:
| [[Ryugasaki, Ibaraki|Ryugasaki]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]
| [[Ryugasaki, Ibaraki|Ryugasaki]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]
| 2005–2010
| 2005–2010
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|regional|Kantō League D1}}
| {{sort|regional|Kantō League D1}}
|-
|-
Line 617: Line 611:
| [[Ryugasaki, Ibaraki|Ryugasaki]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]
| [[Ryugasaki, Ibaraki|Ryugasaki]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]
| 2015-2019
| 2015-2019
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|regional|Kantō League D1}}
| {{sort|regional|Kantō League D1}}
|-
|-
Line 625: Line 619:
| [[Sagamihara, Kanagawa|Sagamihara]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
| [[Sagamihara, Kanagawa|Sagamihara]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
| 2013
| 2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 633: Line 627:
| [[Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka|Higashisumiyoshi-ku]], [[Osaka, Osaka|Osaka]]
| [[Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka|Higashisumiyoshi-ku]], [[Osaka, Osaka|Osaka]]
| 2002–2006
| 2002–2006
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct, merged into Sagawa Shiga}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct, merged into Sagawa Shiga}}
|-
|-
Line 641: Line 635:
| [[Kōtō]], [[Tokyo]]
| [[Kōtō]], [[Tokyo]]
| 2001–2006
| 2001–2006
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct, merged into Sagawa Shiga}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct, merged into Sagawa Shiga}}
|-
|-
Line 657: Line 651:
| [[Iwata, Shizuoka|Iwata]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
| [[Iwata, Shizuoka|Iwata]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
| 2000–2002
| 2000–2002
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|university|Tōkai University League}}
| {{sort|university|Tōkai University League}}
|-
| [[Sony Sendai FC]]
| 1999
| 26
| [[Sendai]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]]
| 1999–2024
| 2015
| Defunct
|-
|-
| {{sort|Printing Kyoto|[[SP Kyoto FC]]}}
| {{sort|Printing Kyoto|[[SP Kyoto FC]]}}
Line 665: Line 667:
| [[Uji, Kyoto|Uji]], [[Kyoto Prefecture|Kyoto]]
| [[Uji, Kyoto|Uji]], [[Kyoto Prefecture|Kyoto]]
| 2003–2015
| 2003–2015
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct}}
|-
|-
Line 673: Line 675:
| [[Miyazaki, Miyazaki]]
| [[Miyazaki, Miyazaki]]
| 2018–2020
| 2018–2020
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 681: Line 683:
| All cities/towns in [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]]
| All cities/towns in [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]]
| 2004
| 2004
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-
|-
Line 689: Line 691:
| [[Utsunomiya]], [[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]]
| [[Utsunomiya]], [[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]]
| 2000–2008
| 2000–2008
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-
|-
Line 705: Line 707:
| [[Hachinohe, Aomori|Hachinohe]], [[Aomori Prefecture|Aomori]]
| [[Hachinohe, Aomori|Hachinohe]], [[Aomori Prefecture|Aomori]]
| 2014–2018
| 2014–2018
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 713: Line 715:
| [[Matsumoto, Nagano|Matsumoto]], [[Nagano Prefecture|Nagano]]
| [[Matsumoto, Nagano|Matsumoto]], [[Nagano Prefecture|Nagano]]
| 2010–2011
| 2010–2011
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 721: Line 723:
| [[Kurobe, Toyama|Kurobe]], [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
| [[Kurobe, Toyama|Kurobe]], [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
| 2001–2007
| 2001–2007
|&nbsp;–
| –
| {{sort|x|Defunct, merged into Kataller Toyama}}
| {{sort|x|Defunct, merged into Kataller Toyama}}
|-
|-
Line 737: Line 739:
| [[Yokohama]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
| [[Yokohama]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
| 2012–2013
| 2012–2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J3
| J3
|-
|-
Line 745: Line 747:
| [[Machida, Tokyo|Machida]], [[Tokyo]]
| [[Machida, Tokyo|Machida]], [[Tokyo]]
| 2013
| 2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J1
|-
|-
| [[Zweigen Kanazawa]]
| [[Zweigen Kanazawa]]
Line 753: Line 755:
| [[Kanazawa, Ishikawa|Kanazawa]], [[Ishikawa Prefecture|Ishikawa]]
| [[Kanazawa, Ishikawa|Kanazawa]], [[Ishikawa Prefecture|Ishikawa]]
| 2010–2013
| 2010–2013
|&nbsp;–
| –
| J2
| J2
|-
|-
Line 762: Line 764:
==Championship, promotion and relegation history==
==Championship, promotion and relegation history==
===Most successful clubs===
===Most successful clubs===
Clubs in '''bold''' compete in JFL as of [[2023 Japan Football League|2023 season]]. Clubs in ''italic'' no longer exist.
Clubs in '''bold''' compete in JFL as of [[2024 Japan Football League|2024 season]]. Clubs in ''italic'' no longer exist.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 863: Line 865:
| 2008
| 2008
|-
|-
| '''[[Tokyo Musashino City FC|Tokyo Musashino United]]'''
| '''[[Tokyo Musashino United FC|Yokogawa Musashino]]'''
| {{center|0}}
| {{center|0}}
| {{center|1}}
| {{center|1}}
Line 984: Line 986:
|[[2023 Japan Football League|2023]]||[[Honda FC]] || [[Briobecca Urayasu]] ||None ||[[Briobecca Urayasu]]<br>[[Okinawa SV]] ||None
|[[2023 Japan Football League|2023]]||[[Honda FC]] || [[Briobecca Urayasu]] ||None ||[[Briobecca Urayasu]]<br>[[Okinawa SV]] ||None
|-
|-
|[[2024 Japan Football League|2024]]|| || || || ||[[Tochigi City FC]] ||
|[[2024 Japan Football League|2024]]|| || || || ||[[Tochigi City FC]] ||[[Sony Sendai FC]] (disbanded)
|}
|}
{{smalldiv|1=A = Apertura champion, C = Clausura champion, 1 = Won both stages, 2 = Earned the second most points total in the overall table if 1 applies.<br />
{{smalldiv|1=A = Apertura champion, C = Clausura champion, 1 = Won both stages, 2 = Earned the second most points total in the overall table if 1 applies.<br />
Line 990: Line 992:


==JFL records and statistics==
==JFL records and statistics==
{{updated|December 2021}}.
{{updated|December 2023}}.
In '''bold''' the ones who are actually playing in JFL. In ''italic'' the ones who are still active in other league.
In '''bold''' the ones who are actually playing in JFL. In ''italic'' the ones who are still active in other league.


Line 1,005: Line 1,007:
|2||Hajime "Gen" Nakamura||374||2003–2017
|2||Hajime "Gen" Nakamura||374||2003–2017
|-
|-
|3||'''Takanori Kanamori'''||348||2008–
|3||Takanori Kanamori||349||2008–2022
|-
|-
|4||Hirotaka Nagatomi||348||2006–2021
|4||Hirotaka Nagatomi||348||2006–2021
Line 1,045: Line 1,047:
|8||[[Takehiro Hayashi]]||91||1999–2004
|8||[[Takehiro Hayashi]]||91||1999–2004
|-
|-
|9||''[[Shoma Mizunaga]]''||83||2005–2006, 2009–2012, 2018–2020
|9||[[Shoma Mizunaga]]||83||2005–2006, 2009–2012, 2018–2020
|-
|-
|10||Tomohiro Ito||71||1999–2008
|10||Tomohiro Ito||71||1999–2008
Line 1,052: Line 1,054:


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Association football|Women's association football|Sports|Games|Japan}}
{{Portal bar|Association football|Women's association football|Sports|Games|Japan}}
* [[Sport in Japan]]
* [[Sport in Japan]]
** [[Football in Japan]]
** [[Football in Japan]]
Line 1,065: Line 1,067:
** [[J2 League]] (Tier 2)
** [[J2 League]] (Tier 2)
** [[J3 League]] (Tier 3)
** [[J3 League]] (Tier 3)
* Japan Football League (JFL) (Tier 4)
* [[Japanese Regional Football League Competition|Regional Champions League]] (Promotion playoffs to JFL)
* [[Japanese Regional Football League Competition|Regional Champions League]] (Promotion playoffs to JFL)
* [[Japanese Regional Leagues|Regional Leagues]] (Tier 5/6)
* [[Japanese Regional Leagues|Regional Leagues]] (Tier 5/6)
Line 1,090: Line 1,091:
* [http://www.jfl.or.jp/ Official website] {{in lang|Ja}}
* [http://www.jfl.or.jp/ Official website] {{in lang|Ja}}
* [http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqR8JZTxJScZg3H4l_Rfhg/ JFL Official Channel] {{in lang|Ja}}
* [http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqR8JZTxJScZg3H4l_Rfhg/ JFL Official Channel] {{in lang|Ja}}
* [http://www.nippon-ganbare.com/2011/01/07/jfl-2010/ 2010 JFL season] {{in lang|en|fr}}
* [http://www.nippon-ganbare.com/2011/01/07/jfl-2010/ 2010 JFL season] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311140132/http://www.nippon-ganbare.com/2011/01/07/jfl-2010/ |date=2012-03-11 }} {{in lang|en|fr}}


{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}

Latest revision as of 01:15, 7 November 2024

For the defunct former league of the same name, see Japan Football League (1992–1998).
Japan Football League
Founded1999; 25 years ago (1999)
CountryJapan
ConfederationAFC
Number of teams16
Level on pyramid4
Promotion toJ3 League
Relegation toJapanese Regional Leagues
Domestic cup(s)Emperor's Cup
Current championsHonda FC (10th title)
(2023)
Most championshipsHonda FC (10 titles)
Websitewww.jfl.or.jp Edit this at Wikidata
Current: 2024 Japan Football League

The Japan Football League (Japanese: 日本フットボールリーグ, Hepburn: Nihon Futtobōru Rīgu), also known as simply the JFL, is the 4th tier of the Japanese association football league system, positioned beneath the three divisions of the J.League. The league features fully professional teams that hold J.League associate membership among its ranks.

Relationship and position of J. League and Japan Football League (JFL)

[edit]

According to the official document published in December 2013 when the J3 League was established, the J3 League was the 3rd level of the J.League. The J.League and non-J.League amateur leagues have different hierarchical structures, and the J3 League was ranked on the same level as the JFL. In addition, the JFL itself has the same recognition in the material showing the league composition on the official website.[1] Therefore, the JFL is treated as equal to J3 in theory, but in practice it is considered equivalent to a 4th division.

History

[edit]

The Japan Football League started from the 1999 season when the second division of J.League (J2) was also born. Until then, J.League consisted of only one division and the former JFL was the second highest division. Out of 16 teams who played the last season of the former JFL, 9 decided and were accepted to play in J2 and the other 7 teams as well as Yokogawa Electric, the winners of the Regional League Promotion Series, formed the new Japan Football League. These 8 teams together with Yokohama FC that was allowed to participate as a special case after the merger of Yokohama Flügels and Yokohama Marinos competed in the inaugural 1999 season.

The 9 teams that competed in the first season were as follows: Denso SC, Honda Motors, Jatco SC, Kokushikan University F.C., Mito HollyHock, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Sony Sendai, Yokohama FC and Yokogawa Electric.

In the second season the number of clubs was increased from 9 to 12, reaching 16 in 2001. In 2002 it was briefly 18 clubs before going back to 16 the next season and settling for good at 18 in 2006. For the 2012 season it had 17 clubs due to the late withdrawal of Arte Takasaki.

The league suffered another contraction after 2013 season, as 10 of its 18 teams joined the newly created J3 League. It also moved a tier down the pyramid, making it fourth-tier league since 2014.

Five former JFL clubs have competed in the top flight: Yokohama FC (2007, 2020, 2021 & 2023), Otsuka Pharmaceuticals (2014 & 2021 as Tokushima Vortis), Matsumoto Yamaga (2015 & 2019), V-Varen Nagasaki (2018) and Machida Zelvia (2024 — present time).

Overview

[edit]

JFL clubs may be affiliated to companies, or be entirely autonomous clubs or reserve teams of these. Until 2010, university clubs (which as a rule do not play in the Japanese football league system) were recommended by the Japan University Football Association and played off against bottom JFL teams for entrance. B-teams are allowed to participate but only A-squads of truly autonomous clubs are eligible for J.League associate membership, and with it, promotion to J.League.

Promotion from JFL

[edit]

A club that satisfied the following criteria was promoted to J.League Div. 2 (for the 2012 and 2013 seasons):

  • Had J.League associate membership
  • Finished the season in the top two in JFL
    • If only the champion had been an associate member, it was automatically promoted.
    • If both the champion and runner-up had been associate members, the champion is automatically promoted and the runner-up plays a promotion/relegation series against the second-to-last club in the J2.
    • If only the runner-up had been an associate member, it plays the promotion/relegation series against the last club in the J2.
  • Passed the final inspection by the J.League Committee.

With the establishment of the J3 League in the 2014 season, the top 2 requirements are no longer necessary should a team that is approved by J.League Committee and is a J.League associate member. However, they start in the J3 instead. The JFL is the highest tier of amateur level football in Japan again, but they still serve the purpose of helping potential J.League clubs to participate in the J3.

At a J.League board meeting in August 2021, 60 clubs, of which 20 are J3, were targeted for the entire league, and a possibility that J3 would have exceeded 20 clubs by the 2023 season was brought up. Mitsuru Murai, the J.League chairman, revealed that he was discussing how to adjust to 20 clubs. At this time, he was asked, "If there is a possibility of the [J3] league having 21 teams, is it okay to understand that there are teams that will fall from J3 to JFL?" While under consideration, he admitted that the J3 and JFL were considering the introduction of relegation to the latter league as early as after the 2022 season.[2] Later in November, Murai announced that promotion from and relegation to the JFL had been planned for the end of 2023.[3]

In early January 2023, the J.League introduced the J3–JFL promotion/relegation playoffs, enabling the possibility for teams to be relegated from the J3.[4] The system of promotion and relegation between the J3 and the JFL can be determined by the eligibility (promotion to J3 requires a J.League license) of the JFL's champions and runners-up for the season.

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

Relegation from JFL

[edit]

The team at the bottom of the league faces a direct relegation, exchanging its place with Regional League promotion competition winner, with the team ranked 15th playing the relegation/promotion play-off against the team finishing second in that competition. The number of teams relegated varies depending on the outcome of the play-off or the number of teams withdrawn from the JFL.

Emperor's Cup eligibility

[edit]

Until 2008, only the club at the top of the standings at half-season (17 matches completed) was qualified for the Emperor's Cup, entering it at the third round along with the clubs in J2, but the allotment was widened to the top three clubs in 2010 due to the expansion of J2. Every other club must qualify through a qualifying cup in their own prefecture and then must enter at the first round. In 2015, only the winner of the apertura (first half) qualified.

JFL XI

[edit]

In 1999 (Bangabandhu Cup) and since 2014, a JFL XI team has played off-season matches against guest teams. The 2016 season also featured an JFL East vs JFL West all-star encounter.

2024 season

[edit]
Main article: 2024 Japan Football League

Competition format

[edit]

The league follows a one-stage double round-robin, wherein the team finishing at the top of the table following the season is declared the champion. From 2014 to 2018 it used the Apertura and Clausura system, with two winners of each stage contesting the championship in the playoff. From 2019 it used the single table with double round-robin system to 30 matches.

Participating clubs

[edit]
class=notpageimage|
Locations of the 2024 Japan Football League teams
class=notpageimage|
Tokyo City Area Japan Football League Teams
class=notpageimage|
Kansai Region Japan Football League Teams


Club name First season
in JFL		 Seasons
in JFL		 Home town(s) Current spell
in JFL		 Last
title		 Qualifiable base
for J.League
Atletico Suzuka 2019 5 Suzuka, Mie 2019– – No
Briobecca Urayasu 2016 3 Urayasu, Chiba 2023– – No
Criacao Shinjuku 2022 2 Shinjuku, Tokyo 2022– – Yes
Honda FC 1999 25 Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 1999– 2023 No
Kochi United 2020 4 Kochi, Kochi 2020– – Yes
Maruyasu Okazaki 2014 10 Okazaki, Aichi 2014– – No
Minebea Mitsumi 2005 16 Miyazaki, Miyazaki 2009– – No
Okinawa SV 2023 1 Uruma, Okinawa 2023– – No
Reilac Shiga 2008 16 Kusatsu, Shiga 2008– – Yes
ReinMeer Aomori 2016 8 Aomori, Aomori 2016– – Yes
Sony Sendai 1999 25 Miyagi Prefecture 1999– 2015 No
Tiamo Hirakata 2021 3 Hirakata, Osaka 2021– – No
Tochigi City FC 2010 8 Tochigi 2024– – Yes
Veertien Mie 2017 7 Kuwana, Mie 2017– – Yes
Verspah Oita 2012 12 Beppu, Ōita 2012– 2020 Yes
Yokogawa Musashino 1999 25 Musashino, Tokyo 1999– – No
  • Pink background denotes clubs that were most recently promoted from Japanese Regional Leagues through the regional league promotion tournament.
  • "Qualifiable base for J.League" indicates the club holds a J3 League license. Clubs who actually hold the license are denoted in bold.
  • Formerly, clubs who wished to join the J.League had to also acquire a 100 Year Plan status membership. The J.League decided that since 2023, it would not be necessary for a club to hold this status in order to enable their promotion.

Stadiums (2024)

[edit]
Main article: List of football stadiums in Japan
See also: Category:Football venues in Japan


Primary venues used in the JFL:

Atletico Suzuka Briobecca Urayasu Criacao Shinjuku Honda FC
Mie Suzuka Sports Garden Kashiwanoha Stadium Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka Honda Miyakoda Soccer Stadium
Capacity: 19,694 Capacity: 20,000 Capacity: 7,258 Capacity: 2,500
Kochi United Maruyasu Okazaki Minebea Mitsumi Okinawa SV
Kochi Haruno Athletic Stadium Maruyasu Okazaki Ryuhoku Stadium Nobeoka Nishishina Athletic Stadium Tapic Kenso Hiyagon Stadium
Capacity: 25,000 Capacity: 5,000 Capacity: 15,000 Capacity: 12,270
Reilac Shiga ReinMeer Aomori Sony Sendai Tiamo Hirakata
General Sports Park Nunobiki Athletics Stadium Kakuhiro Group Athletic Stadium Yurtec Stadium Sendai Hirakata City Athletics Stadium
Capacity: 5,060 Capacity: 2,500 Capacity: 20,809 Capacity: 12,500
Tochigi City FC Veertien Mie Verspah Oita Yokogawa Musashino
City Football Station Asahi Gas Energy Toin Stadium Oita Sports Park Musashino Municipal Athletic Stadium
Capacity: 5,129 Capacity: 5,104 Capacity: 2,040 Capacity: 5,192

Former clubs

[edit]
Club name First season
in JFL		 Seasons
in JFL		 Hometown(s) Last spell
in JFL		 Last
JFL title		 Current league
ALO's Hokuriku 2000 8 Toyama, Toyama 2000–2007 – Defunct, merged into Kataller Toyama
Arte Takasaki 2004 8 Takasaki, Gunma 2004–2011 – Defunct
Azul Claro Numazu 2014 3 Numazu, Shizuoka 2014–2016 – J3
Kyoto BAMB 1993 2000 4 Kyoto, Kyoto 2000–2004 – Kansai League D1
Blaublitz Akita 2007 7 All cities/towns in Akita 2007–2013 – J2
Briobecca Urayasu 2016 4 Urayasu, Chiba 2016–2017 2023 & 2024 – JFL
Cobaltore Onagawa 2018 1 Onagawa, Miyagi 2018 – Tohoku League D1
Ehime FC 2001 5 All cities/towns in Ehime 2001–2005 2005 J3
Fagiano Okayama 2008 1 All cities/towns in Okayama 2008 – J2
Fagiano Okayama Next 2014 3 Okayama, Okayama 2014–2016 – Defunct
Fukushima United 2013 1 Fukushima, Fukushima 2013 – J3
Gainare Tottori 2001 10 All cities/towns in Tottori 2001–2010 2010 J3
FC Gifu 2007 1 All cities/towns in Gifu 2007 – J3
Mito HollyHock 1999 1 Mito, Ibaraki 1999 – J2
FC Imabari 2017 3 Imabari, Ehime 2017–2019 – J3
Iwaki FC 2020 2 Iwaki, Fukushima 2020–2021 2021 J2
Jatco SC 1999 5 Numazu, Shizuoka 1999–2003 – Defunct
JEF Reserves 2006 6 Ichihara, Chiba 2006–2011 – Defunct
Kagoshima United 2014 2 Kagoshima, Kagoshima 2014–2015 – J3
Kagura Shimane 2019 4 Matsue, Shimane 2019–2022 – Defunct
Kamatamare Sanuki 2011 3 All cities/towns in Kagawa 2011–2013 – J3
FC Kariya 1999 11 Kariya, Aichi 2021 – Tōkai League D1
Kataller Toyama 2008 1 All cities/towns in Toyama 2008 – J3
Kokushikan University 1999 6 Machida, Tokyo 1999–2003 – Kantō University League
Mitsubishi Motors Mizushima 2005 5 Kurashiki, Okayama 2005–2009 – Chugoku League
Fujieda MYFC 2012 2 Fujieda, Shizuoka 2012–2013 – J2
Nara Club 2014 9 All cities/towns in Nara 2014–2022 2022 J3
New Wave Kitakyushu 2008 2 Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 2008–2009 – J3
FC Osaka 2014 9 Higashiōsaka, Osaka 2014–2022 – J3
Otsuka Pharmaceuticals 1999 6 All cities/towns in Tokushima 1999–2004 2004 J2
Nagano Parceiro 2011 3 Nagano, Nagano 2011–2013 2013 J3
Profesor Miyazaki 2002 1 All cities/towns in Miyazaki 2002 – Defunct
Rosso Kumamoto 2001 4 Kumamoto, Kumamoto 2006–2007 – J2
Renofa Yamaguchi 2014 1 Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi 2014 – J2
FC Ryukyu 2006 8 All cities/towns in Okinawa 2006–2013 – J3
Ryutsu Keizai University 2005 6 Ryugasaki, Ibaraki 2005–2010 – Kantō League D1
Ryutsu Keizai Dragons Ryugasaki 2015 5 Ryugasaki, Ibaraki 2015-2019 – Kantō League D1
SC Sagamihara 2013 1 Sagamihara, Kanagawa 2013 – J3
Sagawa Express Osaka 2002 5 Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 2002–2006 – Defunct, merged into Sagawa Shiga
Sagawa Express Tokyo 2001 6 Kōtō, Tokyo 2001–2006 – Defunct, merged into Sagawa Shiga
Sagawa Shiga 2007 6 Moriyama, Shiga 2007–2012 2011 Defunct
Shizuoka Sangyo University 2000 3 Iwata, Shizuoka 2000–2002 – Tōkai University League
Sony Sendai FC 1999 26 Sendai, Miyagi 1999–2024 2015 Defunct
SP Kyoto FC 2003 13 Uji, Kyoto 2003–2015 – Defunct
Tegevajaro Miyazaki 2018 3 Miyazaki, Miyazaki 2018–2020 – J3
Thespa Kusatsu 2004 1 All cities/towns in Gunma 2004 – J2
Tochigi SC 2000 9 Utsunomiya, Tochigi 2000–2008 – J2
V-Varen Nagasaki 2009 4 All cities/towns in Nagasaki 2009–2012 2012 J2
Vanraure Hachinohe 2014 5 Hachinohe, Aomori 2014–2018 – J3
Matsumoto Yamaga 2010 2 Matsumoto, Nagano 2010–2011 – J3
YKK AP 2001 7 Kurobe, Toyama 2001–2007 – Defunct, merged into Kataller Toyama
Yokohama FC 1999 2 Yokohama, Kanagawa 1999–2000 2000 J1
YSCC Yokohama 2012 2 Yokohama, Kanagawa 2012–2013 – J3
Machida Zelvia 2009 4 Machida, Tokyo 2013 – J1
Zweigen Kanazawa 2010 4 Kanazawa, Ishikawa 2010–2013 – J2
  • Pink background denotes clubs that were most recently promoted to J3 League.

Championship, promotion and relegation history

[edit]

Most successful clubs

[edit]

Clubs in bold compete in JFL as of 2024 season. Clubs in italic no longer exist.

Club Winners Runners-up Winning seasons Runners-up seasons
Honda FC
10
5
 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008,
2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
2023 		1999, 2000, 2003, 2004,
2021
Sagawa Shiga
3
1
 2007, 2009, 2011 2010
Otsuka Pharmaceuticals
2
1
 2003, 2004 2001
Yokohama FC
2
0
 1999, 2000
Nagano Parceiro
1
2
 2013 2011, 2012
Sony Sendai
1
1
 2015 2019
Ehime FC
1
0
 2005
Gainare Tottori
1
0
 2010
V-Varen Nagasaki
1
0
 2012
Verspah Oita
1
0
 2020
Iwaki FC
1
0
 2021
Nara Club
1
0
 2022
Sagawa Express Tokyo 0 2 2002, 2006
YKK AP
0
1
 2005
Rosso Kumamoto
0
1
 2007
Tochigi SC
0
1
 2008
Yokogawa Musashino
0
1
 2009
Kamatamare Sanuki
0
1
 2013
SP Kyoto FC
0
1
 2014
Vanraure Hachinohe
0
1
 2015
Ryutsu Keizai Dragons
0
1
 2016
ReinMeer Aomori
0
1
 2017
FC Osaka
0
2
 2018, 2022
Tegevajaro Miyazaki
0
1
 2020
Briobecca Urayasu
0
1
 2023

Third-tier league: 1999–2013

[edit]
See also: List of winners of J3 League and predecessors
Season Champions Runners-up Promoted to J2 after the season Relegated from J2 after the season Promoted from Regional Leagues before the season Relegated to Regional Leagues after the season
1999 Yokohama F.C. Honda F.C. Mito HollyHock — Yokogawa Denki None
2000 Yokohama F.C. Honda F.C. Yokohama FC Tochigi S.C.
Shizuoka Kengyo University F.C.
Alo's Hokuriku
F.C. Kyoken		 None
2001 Honda F.C. Otsuka Pharmaceutical F.C. None Sagawa Express Tokyo S.C.
YKK AP F.C.
S.C. Tottori
Ehime F.C.
NTT West Japan-Kumamoto		 None
2002 Honda F.C. Sagawa Express Tokyo S.C. None Sagawa Express Osaka S.C.
Profesor Miyazaki		 Shizuoka Kengyo University F.C.
Alouette Kumamoto
Profesor Miyazaki
2003 Otsuka Pharmaceutical F.C. Honda F.C. None Sagawa Printing S.C. Jatco F.C. (disbanded)
F.C. Kyoto BAMB 1993 (F.C. Kyoken)
2004 Otsuka Pharmaceutical F.C. Honda F.C. Otsuka (Tokushima Vortis)
Kusatsu		 Thespa Kusatsu
Gunma Horikoshi		 Kokushikan University F.C. (forced to withdraw due to scandal)
2005 Ehime F.C. YKK AP F.C. Ehime Ryutsu Keizai University F.C.
Mitsubishi Mizushima FC
Honda Lock S.C.		 None
2006 Honda F.C. Sagawa Express Tokyo S.C. None JEF United Ichihara Chiba B
Rosso Kumamoto
F.C. Ryukyu		 Honda Lock SC
(Sagawa Express Tokyo and Osaka clubs merge to form a single club)
2007 Sagawa Express S.C. Rosso Kumamoto Kumamoto
Gifu		 TDK S.C.
F.C. Gifu		 (Alo's Hokuriku and YKK AP merge to form Kataller Toyama)
2008 Honda FC Tochigi SC Tochigi SC
Fagiano Okayama
Kataller Toyama		 Fagiano Okayama
New Wave Kitakyushu
MIO Biwako Shiga		 None
2009 Sagawa Shiga Tokyo Musashino City New Wave Kitakyushu Machida Zelvia
V-Varen Nagasaki
Honda Lock		 Mitsubishi Motors Mizushima (voluntary withdrawal)
FC Kariya
2010 Gainare Tottori Sagawa Shiga Tottori Matsumoto Yamaga
Hitachi Tochigi Uva
Zweigen Kanazawa		 Ryutsu Keizai University
2011 Sagawa Shiga Nagano Parceiro Machida
Matsumoto		 Kamatamare Sanuki
Nagano Parceiro		 JEF Reserves (disbanded)
Arte Takasaki (disbanded)
2012 V-Varen Nagasaki Nagano Parceiro Nagasaki Machida Zelvia YSCC Yokohama
Fujieda MYFC
Hoyo AC Elan Oita		 Sagawa Shiga (disbanded)
2013 Nagano Parceiro Kamatamare Sanuki Sanuki — SC Sagamihara
Fukushima United		 None
*The following teams were admitted to the new J3 League: Nagano Parceiro, SC Sagamihara, Machida Zelvia, Zweigen Kanazawa, Blaublitz Akita, FC Ryukyu, YSCC Yokohama, Fujieda MYFC and Fukushima United.

Fourth-tier league: 2014–

[edit]

From 2014 to 2018 the Japan Football League switched to the Apertura and Clausura format to determine the champions. In 2019 the single-table format returned.

Season Champions Runners-up Promoted to J3 after the season Relegated from J3 after the season Promoted from Regional Leagues before the season Relegated to Regional Leagues after the season
2014 Honda FC (A) SP Kyoto FC (C) Renofa Yamaguchi — Fagiano Okayama Next
Kagoshima United
Vanraure Hachinohe
Azul Claro Numazu
Maruyasu Industries SC
Renofa Yamaguchi		 None
2015 Sony Sendai (C) Vanraure Hachinohe (A) Kagoshima United Nara Club
FC Osaka
Ryutsu Keizai Dragons		 SP Kyoto FC (disbanded)
2016 Honda FC (C) Ryutsu Keizai Dragons (A) Azul Claro Numazu ReinMeer Aomori
Briobecca Urayasu		 Fagiano Okayama Next (disbanded)
2017 Honda FC (1) ReinMeer Aomori (2) None FC Imabari
Veertien Mie		 Briobecca Urayasu
Tochigi Uva
2018 Honda FC (1) FC Osaka (2) Vanraure Hachinohe Cobaltore Onagawa
Tegevajaro Miyazaki		 Cobaltore Onagawa
2019 Honda FC Sony Sendai FC Imabari Matsue City FC
Suzuka Unlimited		 Ryutsu Keizai Dragons
2020† Verspah Oita Tegevajaro Miyazaki Miyazaki Iwaki FC
Kochi United SC		 None
2021 Iwaki FC Honda FC Iwaki Tiamo Hirakata
FC Kariya		 FC Kariya
2022 Nara Club FC Osaka Nara
FC Osaka		 Criacao Shinjuku Kagura Shimane (disbanded)
2023 Honda FC Briobecca Urayasu None Briobecca Urayasu
Okinawa SV		 None
2024 Tochigi City FC Sony Sendai FC (disbanded)
A = Apertura champion, C = Clausura champion, 1 = Won both stages, 2 = Earned the second most points total in the overall table if 1 applies.
† Only second half of season was played due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

JFL records and statistics

[edit]
As of December 2023.

In bold the ones who are actually playing in JFL. In italic the ones who are still active in other league.

See also

[edit]
Soccer/Football
League system
Domestic cup
Futsal
Beach soccer

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "リーグ構成". Japan Football League. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  2. ^ "2021年度 第8回Ｊリーグ理事会後チェアマン定例会見発言録" (in Japanese). J.League. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  3. ^ "２３年にも入れ替え実施 Ｊ３とＪＦＬ". Jiji.com (in Japanese). 25 November 2021. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  4. ^ "Promotion and Relegation between J3 and JFL from 2023 Season". J.League (Press release) (in Japanese). 6 January 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Preceded by Third tier of Japanese football
1999–2013 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Japan_Football_League&oldid=1255862036"