List of football clubs in Japan

The List of Japanese football teams is evolving. The list is changing as the popularity of Japanese Association football (soccer) grows.^[1]

J.League

The sport has a long-term expansion program called the "Hundred Year Plan."^[1]

The number of teams in J. League Division 1 is stable; however, the list of teams is variable depending on seasonal win-loss statistics.^[1]

The number of teams in J. League Division 2 is expanding slowly; and creation of a Division 3 is proposed.^[1]

Division 1

There are 18 Division 1 (J1) teams.^[2] In 2012, the J1 teams are:

Albirex Niigata[3] Cerezo Osaka[4] Consadole Sapporo[5] F.C. Tokyo[6] Gamba Osaka[7] Júbilo Iwata[8] Kashima Antlers[9] Kashiwa Reysol[10] Kawasaki Frontale[11]

Nagoya Grampus[12] Omiya Ardija[13] Sagan Tosu[14] Sanfrecce Hiroshima[15] Shimizu S-Pulse[16] Urawa Red Diamonds[17] Vegalta Sendai[18] Vissel Kobe[19] Yokohama F. Marinos[20]

Division 2

There are 20+ Division 2 (J2) teams.^[2] In 2012, the J2 teams are:

Avispa Fukuoka[21] Ehime F.C.[22] Fagiano Okayama[23] F.C. Gifu[24] F.C. Machida Zelvia[25] Gainare Tottori[26] Giravanz Kitakyushu[27] JEF United Ichihara Chiba[28] Kataller Toyama[29] Kyoto Sanga F.C.[30] Matsumoto Yamaga F.C.[31]

Mito Hollyhock[32] Montedio Yamagata[33] Oita Trinita[34] Roasso Kumamoto[35] Shonan Bellmare[36] Thespa Kusatsu[37] Tochigi S.C.[38] Tokushima Vortis[39] Tokyo Verdy[40] Ventforet Kofu[41] Yokohama F.C.[42]

Japan Football League

The amateur Japan Football League (JFL) has 17 teams.^[43] In 2012, the JFL teams are:

Blaublitz Akita Fujieda MYFC Honda F.C.[44] Honda Lock S.C. Hoyo A.C. Elan Oita Kamatamare Sanuki MIO Biwako Kusatsu AC Nagano Parceiro F.C. Ryūkyū

Sagawa Printing S.C. Sagawa Shiga F.C.[45] Sony Sendai F.C. Tochigi Uva F.C. V-Varen Nagasaki Yokogawa Musashino F.C. Yokohama Sports and Culture Club Zweigen Kanazawa

In 2012, Arte Takasaki was removed from the list of JFL teams.^[46]

Related pages

• Sports in Japan