In 1987, the chairman of the Japan Soccer League (JSL), Mori Kenji, determined that soccer players should be allowed to register as professionals. Then in 1988, a committee made up of members of the JSL discussed ways to popularize soccer among the general public. The committee favored the establishment of a professional soccer league. In January of 1991, the Japan Football Association announced the basic structure of the Japan Professional Football League, or J. League for short. By July of the same year, ten teams were established. Finally, on September of 1992, the first official J. League tournament took place. In 1993, league competition was begun. New teams were added throughout the following years, with 26 participating teams today.

INTERNATIONAL

In recent years, Japan has emerged in the international soccer scene. In the 1998 World Cup, Japan's national soccer team represented Asia in the championship games in France after surviving the elimination rounds. After vigorous campaigning, Japan was chosen to co-host the World Cup in 2002.