From J1–J2–J3 to the “100-Year Vision League” – What Will Actually Change?
The J.League is currently moving away from the traditional fixed structure of J1, J2 and J3 toward a new league framework based on its 100-Year Vision, with changes being considered and introduced step by step.
This is not a sudden revolution, but an attempt to put into practice ideas the league has talked about for many years: sustainable club management, deep local roots and improved sporting quality.
Why Is There a Need to Change the System?
The biggest reason lies in the gap between Japan’s unique environment and the old league structure.
In particular, extreme summer heat, typhoons and congested schedules have long been seen as major issues.
In Europe’s top leagues, systems are in place to flexibly adjust fixtures and kick-off times with climate and business considerations in mind.
In Japan, however, we have repeatedly seen scorching daytime matches in midsummer and relentless stretches of games, leading to declining player performance and a worsening environment for fans in the stands.
How Will Matches Change Under the 100-Year Vision League?
Up to now, the J.League has essentially been built on the principle of “round-robin within the same division”.
In the 100-Year Vision League, the idea is to introduce phased formats and group splits and build a more flexible competition structure.
The expectation is that this will increase the number of matches that “still mean something” right up to the end of the season and reduce the number of so-called “dead rubbers”.
Diagram: Old vs. New League Structure
Current
J1 / J2 / J3
Fixed leagues, full round-robin
Concept
100-Year Vision League
Phase-based, flexible fixtures
Beginner Q&A (Click to Open)
Q. Are J1, J2 and J3 going to disappear?
To reduce the impact of heat, typhoons and congested schedules and move toward a more flexible, Europe-style competition model,
the current divisions are expected to be restructured gradually, with a transition period, into the new framework.
Q. Will there be fewer matches?
The aim is not simply to cut the number of games, but to increase the proportion of fixtures that really matter.
Q. Will away travel become harder for supporters?
Depending on how the schedule is designed, the burden could increase in some cases,
but the plan assumes adjustments such as earlier publication of fixtures and clustering games in certain periods or locations.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Easing of heat and schedule congestion, improved attendance and commercial appeal
Cons: Confusion among long-time fans due to system changes; weather risks will not disappear and remain a challenge
Related Official Content
*This article is an explanatory piece based on official J.League announcements and concepts.
The final details of the system may still change in the future.
