Competitions & Leagues

J1 League

Japan's top flight began with 10 clubs in 1993. From 2026/27, it moves to a new August-to-June calendar and begins a new chapter.

J2 League

Clubs with distinct local identities compete across Japan for promotion to J1, bringing passionate supporter cultures to stadiums throughout the country.

J3 League

Clubs from across Japan compete for promotion to J2 in a league shaped by close ties between teams, supporters, and their local communities.

Emperor's Cup

First held in 1921, Japan's oldest football competition brings together J.League clubs, company teams, universities, and prefectural representatives on the road to the New Year's Day final.

J.League YBC Levain Cup

Founded in 1992, the Levain Cup is one of Japan's three major domestic titles. All 60 J.League clubs compete, with Kashima Antlers leading on six wins.

Premier League

England's top flight brings together elite speed, intensity, and global stars. Kaoru Mitoma, Shinji Kagawa, Shinji Okazaki, and Wataru Endo are among the Japanese players to take it on.

La Liga

Spain's top flight is known for brilliant technique and tactical detail. Takefusa Kubo has made La Liga an especially familiar stage for fans in Japan.

Serie A

Italy's top flight pairs tactical depth with some of football's most storied clubs. Hidetoshi Nakata, Keisuke Honda, and Yuto Nagatomo all left their mark here.

Bundesliga

Germany's top flight is defined by packed stands and fast, attacking football. Japanese players have thrived here from Yasuhiko Okudera to Shinji Kagawa and Makoto Hasebe.

Ligue 1

France's top flight blends emerging talent, athleticism, and technique. Daisuke Matsui, Hiroki Sakai, Takumi Minamino, and many other Japan internationals have taken on the league.

Primeira Liga

Portugal's top flight is led by historic rivals Benfica, Porto, and Sporting, while continuing to develop gifted young players for Europe's biggest stages.

Eredivisie

The Dutch top flight is renowned for attacking football and player development, with Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord providing a stage for emerging talent.

Belgian Pro League

Belgium's top flight, including Sint-Truiden, has welcomed many Japanese players and remains an important stage for young talent taking the next step in Europe.

Scottish Premiership

Scotland's top flight combines a passionate terrace culture with the historic Old Firm rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, and has featured many Japanese players.

EFL Championship

England's fiercely competitive second tier offers a demanding race for Premier League promotion, historic clubs, and distinctive stadiums across the country.

FIFA World Cup 2026

Hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the first 48-team World Cup will take place in 16 cities and 16 stadiums.

Asia's premier club competition traces its roots to 1967. Japanese clubs have lifted the trophy eight times, led by Urawa Red Diamonds with three titles.

Reborn in 2024/25 as Asia's second-tier club competition, ACL Two carries forward the AFC Cup's history. Gamba Osaka became its first Japanese champion in 2025/26.

Major League Soccer

The leading league in the United States and Canada continues to grow, offering everything from major downtown stadiums to intimate soccer-specific grounds.