The List of Japanese football teams is evolving. The list is changing as the popularity of Japanese Association football (soccer) grows.
J.League
The sport has a long-term expansion program called the "Hundred Year Plan."
The number of teams in J. League Division 1 is stable; however, the list of teams is variable depending on seasonal win-loss statistics.
The number of teams in J. League Division 2 is expanding slowly; and creation of a Division 3 is proposed.
Division 1
There are 18 Division 1 (J1) teams. In 2012, the J1 teams are:
Albirex Niigata
Cerezo Osaka
Consadole Sapporo
F.C. Tokyo
Gamba Osaka
Júbilo Iwata
Kashima Antlers
Kashiwa Reysol
Kawasaki Frontale
Nagoya Grampus
Omiya Ardija
Sagan Tosu
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Shimizu S-Pulse
Urawa Red Diamonds
Vegalta Sendai
Vissel Kobe
Yokohama F. Marinos
Division 2
There are 20+ Division 2 (J2) teams. In 2012, the J2 teams are:
Avispa Fukuoka
Ehime F.C. Fagiano Okayama F.C. Gifu F.C. Machida Zelvia Gainare Tottori Giravanz Kitakyushu JEF United Ichihara Chiba Kataller Toyama Kyoto Sanga F.C. Matsumoto Yamaga F.C.
Mito Hollyhock
Montedio Yamagata
Oita Trinita
Roasso Kumamoto
Shonan Bellmare
Thespa Kusatsu
Tochigi S.C. Tokushima Vortis Tokyo Verdy Ventforet Kofu Yokohama F.C.
Japan Football League
The amateur Japan Football League (JFL) has 17 teams. In 2012, the JFL teams are:
Blaublitz Akita
Fujieda MYFC
Honda F.C. Honda Lock S.C. Hoyo A.C. Elan Oita Kamatamare Sanuki MIO Biwako Kusatsu AC Nagano Parceiro F.C. Ryūkyū
Sagawa Printing S.C. Sagawa Shiga F.C. Sony Sendai F.C. Tochigi Uva F.C. V-Varen Nagasaki Yokogawa Musashino F.C. Yokohama Sports and Culture Club Zweigen Kanazawa
In 2012, Arte Takasaki was removed from the list of JFL teams.