| Date | R | Home v Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/27 03:00 | 1 |
JEF Utd Chiba Women v Iga FC Kunoichi Women
|
0-0 |
| 03/27 02:30 | 1 |
Albirex Niigata Women v Okayama Yunogo Belle Women
|
1-1 |
| 03/26 04:00 | 1 |
INAC Leonessa Women v Speranza Takatsuki Women
|
3-1 |
| 03/26 04:00 | 1 |
Mynavi Sendai Women v AC Nagano Parceiro Women
|
3-2 |
Teams
Iga FC Kunoichi Women
Nittaidai FC Women
Speranza Takatsuki Women
Ehime FC Women
NTV Beleza Women
JEF Utd Chiba Women
Mynavi Sendai Women
Albirex Niigata Women
Urawa Red Diamonds Women
INAC Leonessa Women
Loveledge Nagoya Women
AS Harima Albion Women
Yokohama FC Seagulls Women
Setagaya Sfida Women
Orca Kamogawa FC Women
Cerezo Osaka Women
Nojima Women
AC Nagano Parceiro Women
Gunma FC White Star Women
Angeviolet Hiroshima Women
Shizuoka Sangyo University Women
FC Yamato Sylphid Women
AS Elfen Women
Viamaterras Miyazaki Women
Okayama Yunogo Belle Women
Nippon Sport Science University Women
Minavi Women
Wikipedia - Nadeshiko League
The Japan Women's Football League (Japanese: 日本女子サッカーリーグ, Nihon Joshi Sakkā Rīgu), commonly known as the Nadeshiko League (Japanese: なでしこリーグ, Nadeshiko Rīgu), is a women's association football league in Japan.
The Nadeshiko League consists of two divisions that correspond to the second and third levels of the Japanese women's football pyramid respectively. Teams are promoted and relegated between the divisions, and between the Nadeshiko League Division 2 and the fourth-level Japanese regional leagues, based on performance in the previous season. Prior to 2021, the Nadeshiko League occupied the top level of the Japanese women's football pyramid as well; that level is now represented by the fully professional WE League.
Since 2008, the Nadeshiko League has been sponsored by Plenus (株式会社プレナス), a fast food (bento) company based in Fukuoka.
History
The Japan Women's Football League, or the L. League, was founded in 1989. The founding six clubs were Yomiuri SC Ladies Beleza, Shinko Seiko FC Clair, Nissan FC Ladies, Shimizu FC Ladies, Prima Ham FC Kunoichi, and Tasaki-Shinju Kobe Ladies. From 1993 to 1999 it adopted an Apertura and Clausura system, similar to the J. League system of that era. From 2000 to 2003 the clubs were divided into East and West groups and then the top clubs of each would go into a championship group, with the bottom clubs in a relegation group. In 2004 the single-table format was brought back. Teams from this early era would host annual training camps to build skills and relationships with international women's football clubs, such as those in the United States and Australia.
In 2004 the L. League acquired the nickname the Nadeshiko League. Nadeshiko is the name of the dianthus flower and was chosen from suggestions by fans, signifying an ideal of a dutiful Japanese woman.
In the 2004 season, the L. League added a second division, and until 2009 the league operated in the same way as the old Japan Soccer League for men where the bottom club in the second division playing off against a regional league playoff winner. In 2010, the second division was divided into east and west groups of six teams each; the winners of each group were promoted to the first division.
After Japan's World Cup win in 2011, the L. League saw an upsurge in popularity. In 2015, the league added a third division called the Nadeshiko Challenge League (チャレンジリーグ, Charenji Rīgu) was added, and the first and second divisions now had 10 teams each.
In 2020, the Japan Football Association announced that the newly established WE League will become the top level for women's football in Japan in 2021. The Nadeshiko League would then become the second to fourth levels of the Japanese women's football pyramid. After many top teams left for the WE League, the Nadeshiko League abolished the third division in 2021.
The tournament features a diverse array of teams from across Japan, each vying for the coveted championship title. Matches are held in various stadiums, providing fans with the opportunity to witness thrilling encounters and support their favorite clubs. The league not only highlights the athletic prowess of its players but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship.
In addition to the excitement on the pitch, the Japan L1 League Women plays a crucial role in the development of women's soccer in the country. It serves as a platform for aspiring athletes to showcase their abilities and gain exposure, while also inspiring the next generation of female soccer players.
With a growing fan base and increasing media coverage, the Japan L1 League Women is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of women's soccer, culture, and empowerment in Japan. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or new to the sport, the league promises an exhilarating experience filled with passion, talent, and unforgettable moments.