Teams
Maruyasu Okazaki
Yokogawa Musashino FC
Veertien Mie
Honda FC
Verspah Oita
Sony Sendai
Reilac Shiga
FC Osaka
Nara Club
Atletico Suzuka Club
Minebea Mitsumi
FC Tiamo Hirakata
Reinmeer Aomori
Briobecca Urayasu SC
Criacao Shinjuku
Kochi United
Ryutsu Keizai Dragons
FC Kagura Shimane
Tochigi City
Okinawa SV
FC Imabari
Kariya
Vanraure Hachinohe
Tegevajaro Miyazaki
Cobaltore Onagawa
Iwaki SC
Azul Claro Numazu
Fagiano Okayama II
Ryutsu Keizai University
Vonds Ichihara
Wikipedia - Japan Football League
The Japan Football League (Japanese: 日本フットボールリーグ, Hepburn: Nihon Futtobōru Rīgu), also known as simply the JFL, is the 4th tier of the Japanese association football league system, positioned beneath the three divisions of the J.League. The league features fully professional teams that hold J.League associate membership among its ranks.
History
The Japan Football League started from the 1999 season when the second division of J.League (J2) was also born. Until then, J.League consisted of only one division and the former JFL was the second highest division. Out of 16 teams who played the last season of the former JFL, 9 decided and were accepted to play in J2 and the other 7 teams as well as Yokogawa Electric, the winners of the Regional League Promotion Series, formed the new Japan Football League. These 8 teams together with Yokohama FC that was allowed to participate as a special case after the merger of Yokohama Flügels and Yokohama Marinos competed in the inaugural 1999 season.
The 9 teams that competed in the first season were as follows: Denso SC, Honda Motors, Jatco SC, Kokushikan University F.C., Mito HollyHock, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Sony Sendai, Yokohama FC and Yokogawa Electric.
In the second season the number of clubs was increased from 9 to 12, reaching 16 in 2001. In 2002 it was briefly 18 clubs before going back to 16 the next season and settling for good at 18 in 2006. For the 2012 season it had 17 clubs due to the late withdrawal of Arte Takasaki.
The league suffered another contraction after 2013 season, as 10 of its 18 teams joined the newly created J3 League. It also moved a tier down the pyramid, making it fourth-tier league since 2014.
Five former JFL clubs have competed in the top flight: Yokohama FC (2007, 2020, 2021 & 2023), Otsuka Pharmaceuticals (2014 & 2021 as Tokushima Vortis), Matsumoto Yamaga (2015 & 2019), V-Varen Nagasaki (2018), Machida Zelvia (since 2024). Fagiano Okayama will be the next to do so (from 2025).
The league features a diverse array of teams from across Japan, showcasing local talent and fostering community pride. Matches are held in various stadiums, providing fans with an intimate and passionate atmosphere. The JFL operates on a promotion and relegation system, allowing the top-performing teams to ascend to the J2 League, while the lower-ranked teams face the risk of dropping to the regional leagues.
Throughout the season, clubs compete fiercely for the championship title, with each match contributing to the overall excitement and unpredictability of the tournament. The league not only emphasizes competitive play but also focuses on the development of young players, making it a crucial stepping stone for aspiring footballers.
The Japan Football League is not just about the game; it embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, community engagement, and the rich cultural heritage of Japanese football. Fans can expect thrilling matches, emerging talents, and a celebration of the beautiful game in one of Asia's most passionate footballing nations.