.png)
A question regularly comes to us. How is the football system organized in Japan? What level is my son playing with FC Nomade? How does it compare to the international schools competition Kanto Plain and to the leagues back home? We have listed below the different levels of the men's football pyramid in Japan.
One particularity of Japan is that both club teams and school teams participate in the Japanese Football Associations' competitions. University teams participate to the Amateur Leagues, High school teams to the U-18 Leagues, and Junior High/Middle school teams to the U-15 Leagues. Japanese schools have their own competitions beside which not all are listed here.
Men's football pyramid in Japan
Ruling Federation: the Japan Football Association
Professional League (level 1~3)
J-LEAGUES | 60 teams
Division 1 (20 clubs)
Division 2 (20 clubs)
Division 3 (20 clubs)
Semi-Pro League (level 4)
Japan Football League (JFL) | 16 teams
Amateur Leagues - Adults and University students (level 5~)
Regional Leagues (level 5~6)| ~140 teams
9 regional leagues
E.g.: Kanto League (2 divisions, 20 clubs), Kansai League (2 divisions, 16 clubs)...
Prefectural Leagues (level 7~)| Many teams
47 prefectural leagues, 1~4 divisions per prefecture
E.g.: Tokyo Shakaijin League (4 divisions, ~200 teams), Kanagawa League...
U-18 Club/High School
National level (level 1)| 25 teams
East group (10 clubs) and West group (15 clubs)
Regional level (level 2~3)| ~140 teams
9 regional leagues, 1 or 2 divisions per prefecture, 10 teams per division
For reference, most pro academy youth teams play at the levels above.
Prefectural level (level 4~8) | Many teams
Prince Takamado Cup JFA U-18 Football League
47 prefectural leagues, 1~4 divisions per prefecture
E.g.: Kanagawa League (4 divisions, 80 teams), Tokyo League...
In parallel of the above is one High school tournament of high level to be mentioned:
48 teams participate in the final tournament (up to 8 teams per region qualify)
Prior to the final tournament, 47 prefectural qualifying tournaments take place with several rounds and final stages.
E.g.: Kanagawa Prefecture Qualifying Tournament Round 1 (140+ teams), Round 2 (40 teams)
It is the most important tournament for high schools, and the most followed and watched youth soccer event on TV during the year in Japan.
FC NOMADE U-18/TOP Team
Our team plays in the Tokyo Metropolis League Division 2 (TML), which is not an U-18 League but a private international amateur league and not governed by the Japanese Football Association. Its division 1 level can be compared to the Tokyo Shakaijin League Division 2 or 3 (listed above) as many Japanese players commonly play in both leagues or end up playing in the TML as they choose a more international and english speaking football environment.
Why the TML and not the U-18 League?
Being accepted into the Japanese U-18 League can take time. Many teams are candidates. Another reason is a rule that limits the number of foreign players allowed for the games. At the moment, the TML offers a great alternative and environment for our young high school players. The team is always recruiting new members, get in touch now.
U-15 Club/Junior High, Middle School
Regional Leagues (level 1-2) | Many teams
9 regional leagues, 1 or 2 divisions per prefecture, 10 or 20 teams per division
E.g.: Kanto League (2 divisions, 30 teams), Kansai League...
Regional Leagues (level 3~6) | Many teams
47 prefectural leagues, 1~4 divisions per prefecture
E.g.: Kanagawa League (4 divisions, 150 teams), Tokyo League...
FC NOMADE U-15
Our U-15s play in the U-15 Kanagawa League (listed just above) in Division 4. The team has been trying to get results and get promoted to the Division 3. It's a competitive league and a great environment for middle school students to develop. The team is always recruiting new members, get in touch now.
What about the Kanto Plain - the international high and junior high/middle schools' competition?
The Kanto Plain is not an official Japanese Football Association's competition. It's a closed competition organized only between international schools members of the Kanto Plain. The seasons are generally short and played between September~December or January~May.
What advantages does the Japanese Football Associations' competitions offer?
They're simply the references in Japan. The football level is higher and it's the best way to have a real experience of Japanese football. Teams can be promoted to higher divisions. Japanese players can be identified and called to participate to the Prefectural, Regional and National selection teams from the U-15 category of age. It's easier to understand the equivalent levels with other countries as it is divided geographically (National, Regional, Prefectural) and with divisions.
Comments