Japanese soccer league J.LEAGUE to adopt a 'European' style calendar, potentially revolutionizing football in Japan
The Japanese football league, J.LEAGUE, is set to undergo a significant transformation next summer, as it transitions to a European-style calendar. This move marks an ambitious step towards breaking into the traditional top five leagues in the world.
The appointment of Yusuke Akiyama as the president of J.LEAGUE Europe is seen as a catalyst for this change. Akiyama, a former top Japanese football agent, brings a wealth of contacts in the football world that could prove invaluable in forging partnerships between the J.LEAGUE and top European clubs and their member clubs.
This transition is expected to have a ripple effect on the transfer market, with transfer fees in the J.LEAGUE set to see benefits from 2026 onwards. The league's ambition is evident, as it strives to attract exciting, up-and-coming head coaches who have a clear playing philosophy.
The J.LEAGUE has already demonstrated its potential as a fantastic springboard for players and coaches. In fact, between 2020 and 2025, as many as 276 Japanese players came to Europe, according to the CIES Football Observatory. This trend is expected to continue, with English football fans potentially taking notice due to the calendar change.
The league's ambition is not limited to the football field. J.LEAGUE Europe is also establishing itself in 2022, with the aim of building multilayered relationships with Europe's leading leagues. Improved media strategies, commercial partnerships, and heightened awareness and viewership numbers are expected as a result.
The change is expected to have a significant impact on football in Japan. Selling clubs in the J.LEAGUE can reinvest in new players, academy development, infrastructure, and more by securing higher transfer fees. Moreover, the change could reap significant financial benefits, with only one club voting against the calendar change.
Masashi Mori, previously one of Japan's leading football agents and the president of J.LEAGUE Europe, is also playing a crucial role in this transition. He represents Yusuke Akiyama in his new position.
The J.LEAGUE recorded its highest-ever total attendance in 2024, with over 12.5 million fans visiting stadiums to watch the Japanese topflight. This success, coupled with the upcoming changes, promises to make the J.LEAGUE a league to watch after the 2026 World Cup concludes next summer.
As the J.LEAGUE prepares for its European-style transformation, it is clear that it is eager to attract talent and forge partnerships, creating a two-way street for the flow of people between Japan and Europe. Yusuke Akiyama is already receiving calls from active head coaches and their agents keen to pursue managerial careers in Japan, further indicating the league's growing appeal.
The J.LEAGUE's transfer window and pre-season alignment should encourage players and head coaches, young and experienced from Europe, to move to J.LEAGUE clubs. The league's transition to a European-style calendar next summer is undoubtedly a move that is set to shake up the world of football.
