The J. League Turns 30: Ups, Downs, and the Road Ahead for Japanese Professional Soccer

The Urawa Red Diamonds lift the ACL trophy at Saitama Stadium on May 6, 2023, adding a third championship to their 2007 and 2017 titles. (© Jiji)

Brazilian superstar Zico plays for the Kashima Antlers in a match against Jubilo Iwata at Iwata Stadium in Shizuoka Prefecture on June 15, 1994. High-profile international players helped draw crowds and elevated the level of play in the league’s early years. (© Jiji)

Kawabuchi Saburō was the J. League’s first chair and later president of the Japan Football Association. Photographed on April 28, 2023. (© Jiji)

Miura Kazuyoshi, right, of Verdy Kawasaki dribbles the ball during the inaugural J. League match at the National Stadium in Tokyo on May 15, 1993. He would go on to be the J. League’s first MVP. Far from hanging up his cleats, the 56-year-old star plays to this day at Portuguese second division side Oliveirense. (© Kyōdō)