Teams
Setagaya Sfida Women
Kibi University Women
FC Yamato Sylphid Women
Yokohama FC Seagulls Women
Okayama Yunogo Belle Women
Tsukuba FC Women
Fukuoka J Anclas Women
AS Harima Albion Women
JFA Academy Women
Shizuoka Sangyo University Women
AS Elfen Women
Bunnys Kyoto Women
Veertien Mie Women
Norddea Hokkaido Women
Ehime FC Women
Orca Kamogawa FC Women
Nittaidai FC Women
Diavorosso Hiroshima Women
Cerezo Osaka Women
FC Fujizakura Yamanashi Women
Iga FC Kunoichi Women
SEISA OSA Rheia FC Women
Omiya Ardija Women
Speranza Takatsuki Women
Diosa Izumo Women
Viamaterras Miyazaki Women
FC Imabari Women
AC Nagano Parceiro Women
Nojima Women
Gunma FC White Star Women
Angeviolet Hiroshima Women
Wikipedia - Nadeshiko League
The Japan Women's Football League (Japanese: 日本女子サッカーリーグ, Nihon Joshi Sakkā Rīgu), commonly known as the Nadeshiko League (Japanese: なでしこリーグ, Nadeshiko Rīgu), is a women's association football league in Japan.
The Nadeshiko League consists of two divisions that correspond to the second and third levels of the Japanese women's football pyramid respectively. Teams are promoted and relegated between the divisions, and between the Nadeshiko League Division 2 and the fourth-level Japanese regional leagues, based on performance in the previous season. Prior to 2021, the Nadeshiko League occupied the top level of the Japanese women's football pyramid as well; that level is now represented by the fully professional WE League.
Since 2008, the Nadeshiko League has been sponsored by Plenus (株式会社プレナス), a fast food (bento) company based in Fukuoka.
History
The Japan Women's Football League, or the L. League, was founded in 1989. The founding six clubs were Yomiuri SC Ladies Beleza, Shinko Seiko FC Clair, Nissan FC Ladies, Shimizu FC Ladies, Prima Ham FC Kunoichi, and Tasaki-Shinju Kobe Ladies. From 1993 to 1999 it adopted an Apertura and Clausura system, similar to the J. League system of that era. From 2000 to 2003 the clubs were divided into East and West groups and then the top clubs of each would go into a championship group, with the bottom clubs in a relegation group. In 2004 the single-table format was brought back. Teams from this early era would host annual training camps to build skills and relationships with international women's football clubs, such as those in the United States and Australia.
In 2004 the L. League acquired the nickname the Nadeshiko League. Nadeshiko is the name of the dianthus flower and was chosen from suggestions by fans, signifying an ideal of a dutiful Japanese woman.
In the 2004 season, the L. League added a second division, and until 2009 the league operated in the same way as the old Japan Soccer League for men where the bottom club in the second division playing off against a regional league playoff winner. In 2010, the second division was divided into east and west groups of six teams each; the winners of each group were promoted to the first division.
After Japan's World Cup win in 2011, the L. League saw an upsurge in popularity. In 2015, the league added a third division called the Nadeshiko Challenge League (チャレンジリーグ, Charenji Rīgu) was added, and the first and second divisions now had 10 teams each.
In 2020, the Japan Football Association announced that the newly established WE League will become the top level for women's football in Japan in 2021. The Nadeshiko League would then become the second to fourth levels of the Japanese women's football pyramid. After many top teams left for the WE League, the Nadeshiko League abolished the third division in 2021.
The Japan L2 League Women is an exciting and competitive soccer tournament that showcases the talent and passion of women's football across Japan. As the second tier of women's soccer in the country, the league serves as a vital platform for emerging players and teams to demonstrate their skills and strive for promotion to the prestigious L1 League.
Featuring a diverse array of clubs from various regions, the tournament is characterized by its dynamic gameplay, strategic depth, and the relentless spirit of its athletes. Each season, teams compete in a round-robin format, battling it out on the pitch for points that determine their standings in the league table. The top-performing teams at the end of the season earn the opportunity to ascend to the L1 League, while others aim to secure their place in the league for the following year.
The Japan L2 League Women not only highlights the athletic prowess of its players but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Fans can expect thrilling matches filled with skillful plays, dramatic goals, and unforgettable moments that celebrate the growth of women's soccer in Japan.
With a commitment to fostering talent and promoting the sport, the Japan L2 League Women plays a crucial role in the development of future stars, making it a must-watch event for soccer enthusiasts and supporters of women's sports alike. Join us in celebrating the beautiful game and the incredible athletes who bring it to life!