J2 League Japan is the leading football tournament in Japan, attracting the attention of millions of fans around the world. With dramatic matches and excellent players, this tournament has become one of the sublimation playgrounds for young talents. In this article, SEAGames PH 2019 will learn about the J2 League Japan football tournament, from its history to the latest information about the 2023-2024 season.
What is the J2 League Japan football tournament?
J2 League Japan football tournament (also known as Meiji Yasuda J2 League) is the top professional football tournament in Japan. Established in 1999, this league is the second division in the Japanese football league system, below the J1 League. However, with continuous development, J2 League has become one of the most attractive and quality tournaments in Asia.
With the original name J.League Division 2, the J2 League Japan football tournament is managed by the Japan Football Association (JFA). Up to now, there are a total of 22 clubs participating in this tournament, with teams coming from all regions of Japan. The tournament takes place from March to December every year, with competition following a round-robin schedule.
History of formation and development of the J2 League Japan football tournament
The J2 League Japan football tournament was established in 1999, after the J.League Division 1 (currently J1 League) was established in 1993. Initially, the tournament only had 10 teams participating, but later grew to 12 teams in 2000 and 16 teams in 2006.
Since 2005, the J2 League Japan football tournament has been renamed Meiji Yasuda J2 League, after insurance company Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance became the main sponsor of the tournament. Since then, this tournament has grown significantly, with an increase in the number of participating teams and improvements in the quality of matches.
During its development, the J2 League Japan football tournament has witnessed the emergence of many young talents and impressive clubs. Many players from this tournament have been called up to the national team and played for top European clubs.
J2 League Japan football tournament format
The J2 League Japan soccer tournament takes place in a round-robin format, in which each team will face each other twice (one home match and one away match). Scores are calculated based on the total points obtained after each match. High-ranked teams will be promoted to J1 League, while low-ranked teams will be relegated to J3 League.
In the J2 League Japan soccer tournament, each match has a duration of 90 minutes, divided into two halves. In case two teams have the same number of points after the end of the tournament, the following criteria will be applied to determine the position of each team:
- Goal difference: The team with the higher goal difference will be ranked higher.
- Number of goals scored: If two teams have the same goal difference, the team with more goals scored will be ranked higher.
- Head-to-head results: If two teams have the same goal difference and number of goals scored, the team with better results in head-to-head matches will be ranked higher.
- Number of penalty cards: If the above criteria are equal, the team with fewer penalty cards will be ranked higher.
Teams participating in the J2 League Japan football tournament
Currently, there are a total of 22 teams participating in the J2 League Japan football tournament, with teams coming from all regions of Japan. Below is the list of teams participating in this tournament:
- Albirex Niigata
- Avispa Fukuoka
- Blaublitz Akita
- Ehime FC
- Fagiano Okayama
- FC Gifu
- FC Ryukyu
- Giravanz Kitakyushu
- JEF United Chiba
- Jubilo Iwata
- Kyoto Sanga FC
- Machida Zelvia
- Matsumoto Yamaga FC
- Mito HollyHock
- Montedio Yamagata
- Omiya Ardija
- Renofa Yamaguchi FC
- Thespakusatsu Gunma
- Tochigi SC
- Tokyo Verde
- V-Varen Nagasaki
- Ventforet Kofu
Outstanding players of the J2 League Japan football tournament
> See more: What is the J1 League Japan football tournament?
The J2 League Japan football tournament is a gathering place for young talents and players with great potential. Throughout the history of the tournament, there have been many outstanding players trained and developed here. Here are some notable names:
- Shinji Kagawa: The first Japanese player to score in the English Premier League, played for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United.
- Takumi Minamino: Currently playing for Liverpool club and is one of the promising young players of the Japanese national team.
- Yuya Osako: Known for his impressive scoring record in the J1 League, Osako currently plays for German club Werder Bremen.
- Yoshinori Muto: Versatile player who played for Mainz 05 and Newcastle United, currently playing for Spanish club Eibar.
- Hiroki Sakai: Right back of the Japanese national team, currently playing for French club Marseille.
J2 League Japan football tournament schedule for the 2023-2024 season
The 2023-2024 season of the J2 League Japan football tournament is expected to take place from March to December 2023. Below is the detailed match schedule of this tournament:
Information about J2 League Japan football matches
The J2 League Japan football tournament is a gathering place for dramatic and exciting matches. Throughout the season, matches will take place across Japan, at the stadiums of participating clubs. Each match will have two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, plus a 15-minute break between halves.
Matches will be held on weekends, from Friday to Sunday. In a week, there can be up to 10 matches taking place. The matches will be broadcast live and attract the attention of a large football-loving audience.
Awards in the J2 League Japan football tournament
The J2 League Japan football tournament is not only a place for clubs to compete, but also a place for players to show off their talents and win prestigious awards. Here are some important prizes in this tournament:
- Top Scorer Award: Awarded to the player who scores the most goals during the season.
- Best Player Award: Voted by the coaches and captains of participating clubs.
- Best Defender Award: Awarded to the defender with the most impressive performance during the season.
- Audience Hero Award: Voted by fans through online votes.
- Fair Play Award: Awarded to the club with the most fair playing attitude and respect for opponents during the season.
Conclude
J2 League Japan is a professional football tournament held in Japan. With a history of formation and development since 1999, this tournament has become a gathering place for young talents and players with great potential. The competition format of the J2 League Japan football tournament is very attractive and attracts the attention of a large audience. The 2023-2024 season will be a dramatic season and promises to have many surprises waiting for us.