Full Name: J.League Division One (J1)
Country: Japan
Level: 1
Number of Teams: 18

Official Website: j-league.or.jp

Although the First and Second divisions technically make up the entire J.League, most people only refer to the top tier as the J.League. The 18 clubs play each other twice (home and away) for a total of 34 games.  The bottom two clubs are automatically relegated. The 16th club goes into a promotion/relegation playoff with the third club from J2. The season runs from March to December with a six week summer break.

2008 Clubs:
Albirex Niigata
Consadole Sapporo
FC Tokyo
Gamba Osaka
JEF United
Júbilo Iwata
Kashima Antlers
Kashiwa Reysol
Kawasaki Frontale
Kyoto Sanga
Nagoya Grampus Eight
Oita Trinita
Omiya Ardija
Shimizu S-Pulse
Tokyo Verdy
Urawa Reds
Vissel Kobe
Yokohama F. Marinos