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J1 League

J. League bids farewell to era-defining group of legends - The Japan Times

There are few praises which have not already been sung for Yokohama F. Marinos defender Yuji Nakazawa

The Japan Times (2 weeks ago)

Fernando Torres returning to Sagan Tosu - The Japan Times

Former Spain striker Fernando Torres has renewed his contract with J. League first-division side Sagan Tosu, the club announced Sunday.

The Japan Times (1 week ago)

Thai international Teerasil Dangda parts ways with Sanfrecce - The Japan Times

J. League first division runner-up Sanfrecce Hiroshima will part ways with Thai international Teerasil Dangda after his loan period concludes on Monday.

The Japan Times (3 weeks ago)

Theerathon scooped by J1-League side Yokohama - Bangkok Post

SCG Muang Thong United have agreed the terms of a one-year loan contract for their left wing back Theerathon Bunmathan with J1-League side Yokohama F

Bangkok Post (6 days ago)

J. League clubs see opportunities in tourism - The Japan Times

While Andres Iniesta has not made the matchday squad at either of Vissel Kobe's matches in the Kanto area since his midsummer arrival, his name alone has d.

The Japan Times (3 months ago)

The J1 League is the top-tier category in Japanese football. It is regarded by many as one of the most successful leagues in Asia. The league had its inaugural season in 1993, with ten teams playing for the title. To this day, 18 teams play every season in a relegation-promotion format that has changed throughout the years.

The league is usually played from February to December, in order to avoid the harsh weather conditions in this country. Added to a hefty cash bonus and the trophy, the winner of the J1 League enters the group stage of the AFC Champions League, with the runner-up and the 3rd placed team joining them. The fourth place of each tournament enters the preliminary round of the AFC CL. On the other side of the table, three clubs are promoted from the J2 League, with three clubs being relegated from the Japanese top flight.

During the 2017 season, Kawasaki Frontale won its first-ever J1 League title after beating Kashima Antlers thanks to their better goal difference. The three teams relegated to the J2 League were: Ventforet Kofu, Albirex Niigata, and Omiya Ardija. Their spots in the J1 League were handed to Shonan Bellmare, Nagoya Grampus, and V-Varen Nagasaki.

The 2018 J1 League season kicked off on February 23. The last game of the season will be played on December 1st.

Did you know? Kashima Antlers is the most successful team in the history of the Japanese top flight, with eight titles to their name.