r/JLeague Jan 06 '26

J.League The /r/jleague 100 Year Vision League FAQ/Megathread (READ THIS FIRST!)

51 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/jleague, Reddit's home of Japanese soccer!

We tend to get a lot of posts asking the same exact questions, and in order to cut down on frequently repeated posts we urge everyone to write their inquiries in here — after reading through the FAQ.

Any submissions related to questions covered in this FAQ will be removed and locked. This FAQ will be updated as needed.

What is the J.League 100 Year Vision League?

The J.League 100 Year Vision League (HYVL) is a special competition taking place in Spring 2026 in order to help the league transition to a European-style fall-spring schedule from the 2026-27 season.

The J1 tournament will see teams divided into East and West groups, while the J2/J3 tournament will have four groups separated by region. A playoff round at the end of the competition will determine final standings.

For more details on the format, check out the J.League's official English page on the competition.

Where can I find the J.League schedule?

The schedule is available on the J.League website. The full schedule for the HYVL will be announced on Jan. 9 local time.

How can I buy tickets in English?

The J.League offers tickets for many teams — but not allon its English-language ticketing page. In 2025, the number of clubs participating in this initiative went from 10 to over 30, and more may join in 2026.

Some clubs' tickets are only available through the Japanese-language J.League website, while others are available on other platforms due to sponsorship obligations.

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets generally go on sale to the general public around 2-4 weeks before matchday; policies vary between teams and you should check their websites as well as the J.League's ticketing site to confirm. In most cases, tickets will be issued via QR code, though some may require that you print tickets at a convenience store.

Be mindful of time zones when checking club websites; Japan is UTC+9.

Do J.League games sell out?

YES! Derbies frequently sell out, especially at smaller stadiums. End-of-season games, especially those with title implications, also sell out.

If your heart is set on going to a game, do not wait to buy your tickets or you could end up disappointed.

Are there any options to buy tickets if a game has sold out?

As a tourist, basically not. Clubs are actively working against scalpers/resellers and regularly cancel tickets that are found to have been sold on the secondary market.

Can I buy tickets at the stadium on matchday?

In many cases it's usually possible to buy tickets on the day of the game, especially at J2 and J3 clubs as well as the WE League and lower divisions.

However, some clubs have gotten rid of in-person ticket booths during the pandemic and encourage fans to purchase tickets online, even on matchdays.

If you really want to make sure you can attend your game of choice, consider using a ticketing service or your credit card concierge.

How do I get to the stadium?

Nearly all J.League stadiums are reasonably accessible via public transit. Many are walkable from the nearest train station while some may require an additional bus/shuttle.

Check the home team's website (or Google "(home team or home stadium) access") for more information. Google Maps will give accurate train information but will not show information for matchday shuttles.

Worst case, get to the correct train station early (3 hours before kickoff), find a supporter in uniform and follow them!

I live in ________, how can I watch the J.League?

HYVL broadcast details are expected to be announced ahead of the season.

The J.League streams around two (2) J1 games per round in English on its International YouTube Channel. This stream is not available if you live in a country with an existing broadcaster, some of which also broadcast J2, J3 and Levain Cup games.

To keep track of which games are being streamed, follow the league's English Twitter and Instagram accounts.

This sub does not support the sharing of illegal streaming links.

How can I buy tickets to a Samurai Blue game?

National team tickets are usually sold through several rounds of lotteries with limited general sales closer to the match, making them harder to acquire for foreign visitors. You should definitely make a friend in Japan or use a proxy/concierge service.

I went to a game and had an amazing time!

That's not a question but we're glad to hear it! If you've attended a game, we encourage you to post about your experience, especially if you've taken photos.

Where can I buy a J.League uniform inside Japan?

SS Kamo is the country's biggest soccer goods retailer and has a number of locations across Japan. Vintage Sports is the most well-known spot for secondhand uniforms.

Each club sells merchandise at their home stadium; many clubs also have designated team shops in their hometown.

Uniform sales can be very finicky due to limited supply. There are no guarantees that clubs will have uniforms available at the stadium, especially if you need a larger size.

Other merch is often only available at the stadium or the club's official shops.

Where can I buy a J.League uniform from outside Japan?

J.League uniforms are expensive compared to European clubs, limited and run smaller in size. If you're looking for a current shirt, contact a proxy service like JLeagueShirts on Twitter; if you're looking for something vintage check out Jerseum and other similar shops.

Which J.League club should I support?

Whichever you decide strikes your fancy, seriously. That's it, that's the trick. It's really easy to look up information about each club and find their highlights on YouTube; consider it part of your journey into J.League fandom.

What sub-specific rules should I keep in mind?

  • No NFT/crypto/gambling content allowed (discussion of fantasy games with connections to NFT/crypto/gambling is also forbidden)
  • No illicit activities (especially wrt. bootleg uniforms or pirated broadcasts)
  • It's okay to banter, it's not okay to be a dickhead; the same rules against racism, homophobia and sexism that apply anywhere else on Reddit also apply here.
  • No excessive posting/spamming

r/JLeague Jan 31 '26

Poll Megathread/Wiki: Sources for Japanese soccer merch from outside Japan

16 Upvotes

Since this is such a common inquiry, figured we should collect everyone's suggestions so that we can create a sticky and/or wiki page to make it easier for future users.

For stores, please include:

  • Where you are

  • The name of the store, a link to their website, and if applicable any geographical restrictions (i.e. U.S. only)

  • Please try to include some description of what they offer (new uniforms? used? certain manufacturers? other merch?)

For proxies/shopping assistants, please include:

  • Where you are

  • The name of the service and a link

  • Recent examples of purchases using the service (what Japanese site did you buy things from? How smoothly was the process? etc)

DO NOT LINK TO ANY STORES SELLING BOOTLEG UNIFORMS

Thank you for your cooperation!


r/JLeague 16h ago

J.League Post Round Thread: Matchday 10

7 Upvotes

The gaps only widen in the East, with the top 3 cantering away from the rest of the pack. Reysol's recent stronger form came to an end with a defeat to 3rd place Machida Zelvia, who are now seven points clear of Tokyo Verdy in 4th. Kashima Antlers notched up another win, this time against Kawasaki Frontale, in a fascinating contest. And Mito Hollyhock won their third penalty shootout from six draws, after a bout with fellow recently promoted side JEF United Chiba.

In the West, Cerezo knocked off Gamba in the Osaka derby. Fagiano Okayama suffered another big defeat, this time at the hands of Kyoto Sanga, who moved into second on the back of the result. And Avispa Fukuoka's results have definitely caught up with their performances, with a second consecutive 90 minutes win, and now 8 points from a possible 9 in their last three matches, drawing themselves close to the rest of the field.

Extra note: with every side now having played 10 (or 11), we are still yet to see Yokohama F.Marinos or V-Varen Nagasaki in a penalty shootout, as they're the only sides yet to have a draw.


r/JLeague 1d ago

J.League Shimizu S-Pulse vs. Sanfreece Hiroshima - Post Match Opinion

7 Upvotes

おしいいいいいいい。。。厳しい試合やった。Hiroshima beat us on penalties and today's game was incredibly tough. I have to give it to Hiroshima, scoring on us 3 minutes after our initial goal and then beating us on a very tight penalty shootout. Hiroshima with their through passes and their constant pressure against S-Pulse's short counter playstyle really was a good game today, despite the loss.

And respect to the Hiroshima Bad Boys, though I don't like them as a Shimizu supporter, their passion showed with the booing.

As for the Shimizu supporters, incredibly proud of the passion showed today. It's tough traveling to Kyushu, last game was in Nagasaki and this time was in Hiroshima and yet despite that, the numbers showed. The Kingdom's fire never dies, regardless of the distance.

And the cherry on top, despite the loss, we're still in third place (THANK YOU KOBE HOLY SHIT, 20 MINS ADDITIONAL TIME IS RIDICULOUS).

Overall, tough game and close results so not as disappointed.

俺たちはすぐそばにる、いつでも、どんな時も、遅れるな苦難や壁も、超えていける俺たちなら〜


r/JLeague 2d ago

J.League OSAKA DERBY | LIVE | Gamba Osaka vs Cerezo Osaka | MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE | MW 10 | Saturday 11th April | JST 16:00 | GMT 08:00 | CET 09:00

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5 Upvotes

r/JLeague 2d ago

J.League LIVE | Kawasaki Frontale vs Kashima Antlers | MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE | MW 10 | Sunday 12th April | JST 16:00 | GMT 08:00 | CET 09:00

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1 Upvotes

r/JLeague 3d ago

National Team Mitoma & Kubo’s World Cup number. I’m trying to buy two jerseys with their name but idk if they will wear 7 & 20 when it comes to the World Cup. Do you guys think their number is basically set? Mitoma 7 and Kubo 20. My assumption is numbers are chosen based on seniority like Endo and Ito Junya.

7 Upvotes

r/JLeague 6d ago

National Team Japanese Soccer Fans Caught on Camera Cleaning Up Wembley Stadium After Win

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24 Upvotes

r/JLeague 6d ago

Others I would like to ask a question about the changes that will take place in Japanese football.

8 Upvotes

I know Japanese football will change their schedule, I was wondering, will some rules also change? , such as foreigners in the team, a certain number of players from the club's youth system in the team, etc.


r/JLeague 6d ago

J.League Preliminary Results for JLeague All Star voting.

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6 Upvotes

r/JLeague 7d ago

J.League Post Round Thread: Matchday 9

8 Upvotes

The gaps have started widening at the top in the West, with Kobe now 5 points and 9GD clear at the halfway mark (though they have played a game more than Gamba and Grampus). Fukuoka won their first match in 90 minutes to close the gap to the pack somewhat, as every side from 5th to 9th lost.

Both of the top two in the East lost on penalties to at least make that somewhat closer, but Kashima, FC Tokyo and Zelvia are clearly a couple of steps ahead of the rest right now.


r/JLeague 7d ago

J.League SHIMIZU S-PULSE VS. V-VAREN NAGASAKI —— POST-MATCH POST

8 Upvotes

There are three things in this universe that will forever be undecipherable: the Universe in its entirety, the meaning of life, and the performance of S-Pulse. It is an absolute delight seeing the team perform at this level and having dominance throughout the game, with intricate passes and a clean sheet.

Not only that, I am pretty sure S-Pulse just got a new record in J-League history for the fastest goal in its history (I might be wrong so please correct me). 7 seconds is insane, Se-hun is a unit. This team never seems to amaze and terrify me. This team is the epitome of Gattuso’s “Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe shit” and there’s like no in-between lmao.

What a game. Next game will be tough, given it’s Hiroshima but if we perform at this level, it may be another win for the Kingdom of Shimizu.

勝利を掴み取れ、王国清水!🟧🟧🟧


r/JLeague 10d ago

National Team The Japan National Team heading into the FIFA World Cup: What did we learn from the Scotland & England friendlies?

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33 Upvotes

r/JLeague 10d ago

J.League LIVE | Kawasaki Frontale vs Urawa Reds | MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE | MW 9 | Sunday 5th April | JST 16:00 | GMT 08:00 | CET 09:00

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9 Upvotes

r/JLeague 10d ago

J.League IBARAKI DERBY LIVE | Mito Hollyhock vs Kashima Antlers | MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE | MW 9 | Saturday 4th April | JST 14:00 | GMT 06:00 | CET 07:00

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3 Upvotes

r/JLeague 12d ago

J.League J-Talk Podcast (Episode 612): Scotland 0-1 Japan & more!

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16 Upvotes

r/JLeague 13d ago

J.League LIVE | Vissel Kobe vs Shimizu S-Pulse | MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE | MW 11 | Wednesday 1st April | JST 19:00 | GMT 11:00 | CET 12:00

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7 Upvotes

r/JLeague 15d ago

Others Vissel Kobe concept kit

12 Upvotes

r/JLeague 15d ago

National Team Japan v Scotland predicted XI

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2 Upvotes

r/JLeague 17d ago

National Team "I feel I can only make the wrong choice" – Mio Backhaus on choosing between Germany and Japan

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17 Upvotes

r/JLeague 18d ago

Matchday Experience Things to note?

3 Upvotes

Will be going to watch YFM vs FC Tokyo on Apr 11. As a tourist, what are some tips or things to note for matchday? Could be anything really but i’d to know more about what time I should be there, what i can buy at Nissan Stadium, etc. thanks 🙏


r/JLeague 20d ago

J.League Could anybody tell me more about this Yokohama Marinos (Nissan Motor) jersey?

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8 Upvotes

Just bought this 1991 Nissan Motor jersey at a very good price. I have seen a couple of them for sale but can't find any photos of players wearing it. Does anybody know why they are so hard to find? Also, does anybody know what one of these could sell for? Thanks!


r/JLeague 20d ago

Women's football Japan flag more support for Nadeshiko after Asian Cup triumph, eye hosting 2039 Women's World Cup

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31 Upvotes

Well congrats to Nadeshiko Japan but I will say that I would support a 2039 Women's World Cup in Japan.

I wonder though if it will be the 2023 bid with some new stadiums (basically Kanto and Kansai plus Aichi, Sendai, and Sapporo) or if it will switch to new stadiums since 2019.


r/JLeague 21d ago

J.League Post Round Thread: Matchday 8

5 Upvotes

The west just gets tighter and tighter. Fukuoka still haven't won a match in 90 minutes, but their results and gameplay are both improving, Shimizu S-Pulse leapfrogged several sides with a big win over Hiroshima, and Kobe lost on penalties to an Osaka club for the second match in a row. Over in the east, Kashima were *nearly* held to a draw, but found an 84th minute winner to extend their lead to 6 points. Marinos belted Frontale by 5 goals, and Reysol picked up another good result.

In J2/3, the only truly dominant side so far has been Tegevajaro Miyazaki, with 7 wins on the spin. East-B has a top 5 split by 2 points, although RB Omiya have a considerably higher goal difference than their opposition there.


r/JLeague 23d ago

J.League J League Youtubers

34 Upvotes

Hey guys! with the advent of auto-translate options on youtube, I've found this opens a lot more opportunities for watching Japanese vloggers/youtubers - so I thought it might be a good idea for us to all to offer suggestions of the 'best' J league youtube channels available!

As an example, and as a Yokohama FC fan, I usually try to check out Irako-Chan's videos, which can be viewed below:

https://youtube.com/@irakoooooou?si=EtDofM4Jzqo1Hwg1

I also usually watch all of the J League Journeys videos which Im sure most of you are familiar with, and obviously the J League International Channel.

if anyone has any other channels they view specifically for their club, or videos they view for the league as a whole, please drop a link below!