The J1 League is the first division in Japan. It was founded in 1992 and currently features 20 clubs. The 2024 champions are Vissel Kobe. Most titles: Kashima Antlers and Sanfrecce Hiroshima (8 each). Three clubs are relegated each season to J2 League; double round-robin, 38 matchdays. Continental qualification: 3 spots for the AFC Champions League Elite and 1 for the AFC Champions League Two, allocated via league positions and domestic cup performance.
sources: https://www.jleague.co/ • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_J1_League
Last updated: November, 17th, 2025