Statistics of Japan Soccer League for the 1986–87 season.
First Division
Despite moving to Kashiwa, Chiba and a soccer-specific stadium of their own, Hitachi did not adjust well and were relegated in bottom place, the first drop for the former champions. Matsushita, despite having more victories than relegation rivals Yamaha, had more losses as well and thus joined Hitachi.
Second Division
Sumitomo returned to the top flight at the first time of asking, followed by Toyota Motors, who had been struggling since their 1977 relegation and came close to dropping out of the League. TDK and the Kyoto Police Dept. team went back to the regional divisions; TDK would not return to the second tier until 2021.
First stage
East
West
Second stage
Promotion Group
Relegation Group
East
West
9th-16th Place Playoff
References
Japan - List of final tables (RSSSF)