History
of the Game
日本サッカーの歴史 · JAPANESE FOOTBALL TIMELINE
History OF THE GAME
Giant Killers
Japan stuns the world by defeating both Germany and Spain at the Qatar World Cup.
World Cup R16
Japan reaches the World Cup Round of 16 in Russia, pushing Belgium to the brink in a historic match.
Asian Cup Champions
Japan wins the AFC Asian Cup for a record fourth time, solidifying their dominance in Asia.
Co-Hosts World Cup
Japan co-hosts the FIFA World Cup with South Korea, reaching the Round of 16 on home soil.
World Cup Debut
Japan qualifies for its first FIFA World Cup in France, beginning a run of consecutive appearances.
Japan Qualify for the Asian Cup Again
The defending champions qualify to try and win back-to-back trophies, but fall to Kuwait in the knock-out stages.
Inaugural Season
The first J.League season kicks off with 10 clubs, marking the birth of professional football in Japan.
Japan WIN the Asian Cup!
Japan, as host of the AFC Asian Cup, win the cup and football's popularity skyrockets.
Japan host Asian Cup
Japan host the Asian Cup
J.League Founded
The Japan Professional Football League is established, transforming Japanese football forever.
Japan Qualify for the Asian Cup
Japan qualify for their first Asian Cup campaign.
League Champions
PAST LEAGUE WINNERS
Kashima Antlers2024
Vissel Kobe2023Vissel Kobe2022
Yokohama F. Marinos2021
Kawasaki Frontale2020Kawasaki Frontale2019Yokohama F. Marinos2018Kawasaki Frontale2017Kawasaki Frontale2016Kashima Antlers2015
Sanfrecce Hiroshima2014
Gamba Osaka2013Sanfrecce Hiroshima2012Sanfrecce Hiroshima2011
Kashiwa Reysol2010
Nagoya Grampus2009Kashima Antlers2008Kashima Antlers2007Kashima Antlers2006
Urawa Reds2005Gamba Osaka2004Yokohama F. Marinos2003Yokohama F. Marinos2002
Jubilo Iwata2001Kashima Antlers2000Kashiwa Reysol1999Jubilo Iwata1998Kashima Antlers1997Jubilo Iwata1996Kashima Antlers1995Yokohama F. Marinos1994
Verdy Kawasaki→ Tokyo Verdy1993Verdy Kawasaki→ Tokyo Verdy
Mito Hollyhock2024
Shimizu S-Pulse2023Jubilo Iwata2022
Albirex Niigata2021
Yokohama FC2020
Tokushima Vortis2019Kashiwa Reysol2018
Matsumoto Yamaga FC→ Matsumoto Yamaga F.C.2017
Shonan Bellmare2016
Consadole Sapporo→ Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo2015
Omiya Ardija2014Shonan Bellmare2013Gamba Osaka2012
Ventforet Kofu2011
FC Tokyo2010Kashiwa Reysol2009
Vegalta Sendai2008Sanfrecce Hiroshima2007Consadole Sapporo→ Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo2006Yokohama FC2005
Kyoto Purple Sanga→ Kyoto Sanga2004Kawasaki Frontale2003Albirex Niigata2002
Oita Trinita2001Kyoto Purple Sanga→ Kyoto Sanga2000Consadole Sapporo→ Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo1999Kawasaki Frontale
Japan Soccer League Champions
JSL 1965-1992 · PRE-PROFESSIONAL ERA