J1 League

J1 League 2026/27: Kashiwa Reysol lead a crowded top five

The J1 League is Japan's top division, founded in 1993, and Kashima Antlers are its most successful club. Twenty teams take part, and from 2026/27 the league runs from August to June, in line with the European calendar; a short transition season, played in East and West groups, filled the first half of 2026, with Kashima and Vissel Kobe topping the two groups. Kashima won the last full calendar-year title in 2025, a point ahead of Kashiwa Reysol, and their striker Léo Ceará was the top scorer with 21 goals.

After nine rounds of the new season Kashiwa Reysol lead with 21 points. Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Machida Zelvia and FC Tokyo have 20 each, and Vissel Kobe 19. Hiroshima have the best defence, six goals conceded, and Machida are unbeaten in five away games.

Tokyo Verdy are bottom with four points and no win, with JEF United Chiba and Gamba Osaka also in the relegation places.

Léo Ceará is again the leading scorer, with 11 goals in eight games, ahead of Kashiwa's Yusuke Segawa and Hiroshima's Akito Suzuki on seven.