J-league

J-league is the name of Japanese official football (soccer) league. Established in 1992, it has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and popularity of Japanese soccer. The first season started in May of 1993, when such international stars as Zico and Kazu gained a lot of attention. The league has evolved since its inauguration, with 10 teams in its initial year to 16 teams in 1999.

The league is divided into two divisions: the "J1" and "J2". There is also a semi-official third division league called the JFL. There is a promotion-relegation system between the J1 and J2, but not between the J2 and JFL.

In addition to league play, there are two Cup championships such as Yamazaki-Nabisco Cup and Tenno Hai (Emperor's Cup), which correspond to Worthington Cup and FA Cup in English Premier League respectively.

Here are the 16 J1 teams as of the season 2003-2004.

VEGALTA SENDAI

KASHIMA ANTLERS

URAWA RED DIAMONDS

JEF UNITED ICHIHARA

KASHIWA REYSOL

F.C. TOKYO

Tokyo VERDY 1969

YOKOHAMA FEMARINOS

SHIMIZU S-PULSE

JUBILO IWATA

NAGOYA GRAMPUS EIGHT

KYOTO PURPLE SANGA

GAMBA OSAKA

VISSEL KOBE

CEREZO OSAKA

OITA TRINITA

links:

Japan Football Association http://www.jfa.or.jp/

J-league http://www.j-league.or.jp/

Asia Football Confederation http://www.asian-football.com/