Machida and Iwata have been promoted to the first tier of Japanese football. It's the first time in Machida's history, whereas Iwata go straight back up after one season
3rd - 6th will playoff for the final promotion spot Iwata 2023 Verdy 2006 Chiba 2009 Kofu 2007 Yamagata 2015 Nagasaki 2018
The bottom two teams, Omiya Ardija and Kanazawa, have been relegated to the third tier. It's the first time in Omiya's history, meanwhile Kanazawa is back down after 9 seasons
So crazy, when I lived in japan iwata was always the best
For a while it looked like Omiya could pull it off and avoid relegation again. Sad to see the Mighty Squirrels go down, hope they come back soon.
Blaublitz, what a name
Japanese team names are just in a class of their own.
Best name ever. I regularly check the J2 standings just got them.
S-Pulse with the choke
Verdy vs. Chiba is going to be such an exciting play-off, S-Pulse vs. Yamagata is sure to be close too - Machida were absolutely dominant this year and good to see Iwata back in J1 after one year away.
Only one J1 team getting relegated though as the league expands to 20 teams from 18 next season - Yokohama FC vs. Shonan on Saturday may as well decide it but Kashiwa is not out of the relegation possibilities just yet