Japan J1 League Schedule: Fixtures and Games

The J1 League is Japan's premier football competition, renowned for its competitive nature and passionate fan base. Scheduled fixtures of the J1 League are carefully crafted by the Japan Professional Football League, covering the entire season and specifying dates and times for all matches. The systematic approach ensures all 20 teams know when and where they are going to play, fostering a fair and balanced competition. Each team faces every other team twice, once at home and once away, resulting in 38 matches per team.

Key factors influence the J1 League schedule and fixtures, such as team availability, stadium scheduling, and TV broadcasting agreements. The league considers player commitments, injuries, and stadium conflicts to maintain fairness and optimal fan engagement. Strategic scheduling of local derbies enhances excitement and boosts attendance while maximizing revenue through ticket sales and advertising. The season's structure is aligned with international competitions to avoid fixture congestion, allowing teams to compete effectively in domestic and global arenas.

The J1 League season typically kicks off in late February and concludes in early December, with around 380 J1 League games occurring throughout the year. Weekend scheduling plays a crucial role in the format, as it enhances fan attendance, averages over 23,656 spectators per game, and provides players with essential recovery time between matches. The commitment to weekend games has been a longstanding tradition since the league's inception in 1993, although a shift to a fall-spring calendar is set to occur in 2026, potentially altering the tradition.

The significance of the J1 League schedule extends beyond logistics; it directly impacts betting dynamics within the league. The well-structured schedule allows bettors to analyze team performances and trends throughout the season, providing critical insights for making informed betting decisions. Matches carry significant weight for fans and bettors as teams compete for top positions and avoid relegation. The J1 League continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling fixtures and competitive spirit, making it a focal point in Japanese sports and betting.

J1 League Schedule and Fixtures - 2025/2026 Season

By Month

SEPTEMBER 2025

Friday, 12th Sep

17:00

FC Machida Zelvia

Yokohama FC

17:00

Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Kyoto Sanga FC

17:00

Vissel Kobe

Kashiwa Reysol

What J1 League Games will happen this week?

There are no scheduled matches this week. Please stay tuned for fixtures in the upcoming week. In the meantime, you can check the latest results from last week below.

12/09/2025

Vissel Kobe vs. Kashiwa Reysol: Vissel Kobe faces Kashiwa Reysol at 17:00 GMT+7.

12/09/2025

Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs. Kyoto Sanga FC: Sanfrecce Hiroshima faces Kyoto Sanga FC at 17:00 GMT+7.

12/09/2025

FC Machida Zelvia vs. Yokohama FC: FC Machida Zelvia faces Yokohama FC at 17:00 GMT+7.

31/08/2025

Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Albirex Niigata: Urawa Red Diamonds faces Albirex Niigata at 17:00 GMT+7.

31/08/2025

Shonan Bellmare vs. Gamba Osaka: Shonan Bellmare faces Gamba Osaka at 17:00 GMT+7.

31/08/2025

Nagoya Grampus vs. FC Tokyo: Nagoya Grampus faces FC Tokyo at 17:00 GMT+7.

31/08/2025

Kawasaki Frontale vs. FC Machida Zelvia: Kawasaki Frontale faces FC Machida Zelvia at 17:00 GMT+7.

31/08/2025

Kashiwa Reysol vs. Avispa Fukuoka: Kashiwa Reysol faces Avispa Fukuoka at 17:00 GMT+7.

31/08/2025

Cerezo Osaka vs. Sanfrecce Hiroshima: Cerezo Osaka faces Sanfrecce Hiroshima at 17:00 GMT+7.

31/08/2025

Shimizu S-Pulse vs. Kashima Antlers: Shimizu S-Pulse faces Kashima Antlers at 16:30 GMT+7.

How to Bet on J1 League Game on UFABET?

To bet on the J1 League Game on UFABET, follow the five steps listed below.

Register or Login: UFABET requires users to register or log in to their accounts before betting on a J1 League match. The registration process is straightforward and quick, requiring basic personal information like name, contact details, and the creation of a username and password. Verify the identity by entering a one-time password (OTP) sent to the mobile phone after signing up. The verification step ensures secure transactions and proper account management.
Deposit Funds: Deposit funds into the account after logging in. UFABET supports multiple currencies, including USD and TBH, and offers several payment methods, such as e-wallets (TRUE MONEY) and bank transfers.
Choose a Match from the Schedule List: The match schedule allows bettors to select the J1 League game they wish to bet on once their account has been funded. Research the teams the bettors are betting on, focusing on recent performances, player injuries, and head-to-head records. The analysis helps bettors make informed decisions during J-League Betting.
Select a Betting Market: Select the betting market after choosing the match. UFABET offers several options for J-League Betting, including Match Result (betting on a win, loss, or draw), Over or Under Goals (wagering on whether the total goals scored is going to be above or below a specified number), and Both Teams to Score (predicting if both teams are going to score during the game). Each market presents different strategies, so choosing one that aligns with the teams’ performance and statistics analysis is essential.
Place Your Bet: Placing the bet involves careful consideration after selecting a betting market. Bettors must only play responsibly by betting only what they are able to afford to lose. Review the odds, team statistics, and recent performances to increase the chances of success. Make the bet confidently after assessing these factors.

To bet on the J1 League Game on UFABET, follow the five steps listed below.

Register or Login: UFABET requires users to register or log in to their accounts before betting on a J1 League match. The registration process is straightforward and quick, requiring basic personal information like name, contact details, and the creation of a username and password. Verify the identity by entering a one-time password (OTP) sent to the mobile phone after signing up. The verification step ensures secure transactions and proper account management.
Deposit Funds: Deposit funds into the account after logging in. UFABET supports multiple currencies, including USD and TBH, and offers several payment methods, such as e-wallets (TRUE MONEY) and bank transfers.
Choose a Match from the Schedule List: The match schedule allows bettors to select the J1 League game they wish to bet on once their account has been funded. Research the teams the bettors are betting on, focusing on recent performances, player injuries, and head-to-head records. The analysis helps bettors make informed decisions during J-League Betting.
Select a Betting Market: Select the betting market after choosing the match. UFABET offers several options for J-League Betting, including Match Result (betting on a win, loss, or draw), Over or Under Goals (wagering on whether the total goals scored is going to be above or below a specified number), and Both Teams to Score (predicting if both teams are going to score during the game). Each market presents different strategies, so choosing one that aligns with the teams’ performance and statistics analysis is essential.
Place Your Bet: Placing the bet involves careful consideration after selecting a betting market. Bettors must only play responsibly by betting only what they are able to afford to lose. Review the odds, team statistics, and recent performances to increase the chances of success. Make the bet confidently after assessing these factors.

What are the most Anticipated J1 League Games this Season?

The most anticipated J1 League games this season center on cup tournament qualification, major rivalries, and the race for league rankings. The Gamba Osaka vs. Urawa Reds rivalry remains one of the fiercest in the Japan soccer league, drawing intense support and competition. Another highly anticipated matchup is the long-standing rivalry between Júbilo Iwata vs. Kashima Antlers, which adds to the overall excitement of the season.

Cup tournament qualification is key, with teams like Yokohama F. Marinos and Kawasaki Frontale fighting to secure spots in the J.League Cup and potential slots in continental competitions. Certain games in the current season decide which teams qualify for these prestigious tournaments.

The rise of Machida Zelvia following their promotion from J2 has added further excitement. Their upcoming matches against top-tier clubs like Vissel Kobe and Shonan Bellmare impact league standings and tournament qualifications. The fixture against Avispa Fukuoka is particularly anticipated, especially after recent challenges.

Team form, player availability, and home vs. away records all influence the intensity of each match. Injuries and key players' performance significantly affect outcomes, making every game in the J1 league schedule crucial for fans and teams alike.

How are the J1 League Schedule and Fixtures determined?

The J1 League Schedule and Fixtures are determined by the Japan Professional Football League, which organizes Japan's top-tier football events. The J1 League schedule covers the entire season, specifying the dates and times of all matches. It ensures that every team knows the timing and location of their games. J1 League fixtures outline specific team matchups, providing each game's date, time, and venue.

The league carefully manages the fixture creation process to ensure fairness. Each of the 20 teams plays every other team twice, once at home and once away, following a double round-robin format. Its results are 38 matches per team, offering equal opportunities to compete at home and on the road.

Organizing the J1 League schedule and fixtures in a structured way ensures a balanced, competitive season for all teams.

What are the Factors the Organization considers when doing the J1 League Fixtures?

The factors the organization considers when doing the J1 League Fixtures are listed below.

Team Availability: Team availability is the scheduling of clubs based on player commitments, injuries, and other factors that affect their readiness for matches. It ensures competitive balance by ensuring teams are not missing key players and maintaining fairness across the league.
Stadium Availability: Stadium availability involves scheduling matches at venues without conflicts with other events. Ensuring stadiums are available helps matches proceed as planned, optimizing ticket sales and fan engagement while avoiding rescheduling and negatively affecting attendance.
TV Broadcasting Schedules: Match broadcasting agreements are aligned with the J League schedule to maximize viewership and advertising. Prime-time slots significantly boost audience size and increase revenue through TV deals and sponsorships.
International Competitions: Considers J1 League teams' participation in international tournaments like the AFC Champions League. Scheduling around these commitments avoids fixture congestion, allowing teams to compete effectively in domestic and international matches.
Local Derbies: Matches between teams from the same city or region, often with historic rivalries. Scheduling local derbies strategically increases excitement, draws larger crowds, and enhances fan engagement, boosting overall league interest.
Travel Logistics: Accounts for the distances teams must travel for away games, ensuring transportation availability and minimizing long-distance trips. Reducing travel fatigue helps teams maintain peak performance and recover efficiently throughout the season.
Player Rest Periods: Ensures sufficient time between matches for players to rest and recover. Adequate rest periods are critical to preventing injuries and maintaining high-performance levels, contributing to a more balanced and competitive season.
Weather Conditions: Takes anticipated weather, such as rain, heat, or snow, into account when scheduling matches. It ensures player safety, optimizes fan turnout, and prevents match cancellations due to adverse conditions.
Fan Attendance Considerations: Factors that impact fan turnout, such as location, day of the week, and match competitiveness. Maximizing fan attendance increases ticket and merchandise revenue, making fan availability key to league success.
Security Requirements: Safety measures designed to protect players and fans during games. Proper security ensures a safe environment, upholding the league’s reputation and preventing incidents that disrupt the game or harm attendees.

The factors the organization considers when doing the J1 League Fixtures are listed below.

Team Availability: Team availability is the scheduling of clubs based on player commitments, injuries, and other factors that affect their readiness for matches. It ensures competitive balance by ensuring teams are not missing key players and maintaining fairness across the league.
Stadium Availability: Stadium availability involves scheduling matches at venues without conflicts with other events. Ensuring stadiums are available helps matches proceed as planned, optimizing ticket sales and fan engagement while avoiding rescheduling and negatively affecting attendance.
TV Broadcasting Schedules: Match broadcasting agreements are aligned with the J League schedule to maximize viewership and advertising. Prime-time slots significantly boost audience size and increase revenue through TV deals and sponsorships.
International Competitions: Considers J1 League teams' participation in international tournaments like the AFC Champions League. Scheduling around these commitments avoids fixture congestion, allowing teams to compete effectively in domestic and international matches.
Local Derbies: Matches between teams from the same city or region, often with historic rivalries. Scheduling local derbies strategically increases excitement, draws larger crowds, and enhances fan engagement, boosting overall league interest.
Travel Logistics: Accounts for the distances teams must travel for away games, ensuring transportation availability and minimizing long-distance trips. Reducing travel fatigue helps teams maintain peak performance and recover efficiently throughout the season.
Player Rest Periods: Ensures sufficient time between matches for players to rest and recover. Adequate rest periods are critical to preventing injuries and maintaining high-performance levels, contributing to a more balanced and competitive season.
Weather Conditions: Takes anticipated weather, such as rain, heat, or snow, into account when scheduling matches. It ensures player safety, optimizes fan turnout, and prevents match cancellations due to adverse conditions.
Fan Attendance Considerations: Factors that impact fan turnout, such as location, day of the week, and match competitiveness. Maximizing fan attendance increases ticket and merchandise revenue, making fan availability key to league success.
Security Requirements: Safety measures designed to protect players and fans during games. Proper security ensures a safe environment, upholding the league’s reputation and preventing incidents that disrupt the game or harm attendees.

Is it possible to postpone J1 League Games?

Yes, there is a possibility of postponing J1 League games. Postponements of matches occur for various reasons, most commonly due to inclement weather. For instance, a game scheduled for August 31, 2024, was postponed because of a typhoon. The league's first resumption in 2020 was delayed, demonstrating its adaptability to challenging circumstances like natural disasters.

The J.LEAGUE follows established protocols for rescheduling postponed games. The league quickly coordinated a new date after a typhoon forced a postponement. The structured process underscores the league's commitment to ensuring that all matches are ultimately played, even amid potential postponements.

Future games are postponed for similar reasons, such as bad weather or safety concerns. The J.LEAGUE prioritizes assessing conditions to determine if a postponement is necessary, emphasizing the safety of spectators, teams, and athletes. The J1 League has mechanisms for postponing games, highlighting that such occurrences are possible and managed effectively. Possible reasons for the postponement of J1 league games are listed below.

Severe Weather: Extreme weather events like typhoons, heavy rainfall, or snow create unsafe conditions for players and fans, necessitating postponement.
Natural Disasters: Significant events like earthquakes lead to game delays or cancellations to prioritize safety.
Health Concerns: Outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, postpone matches, particularly if players or staff are affected.
International Competitions: Conflicts with international tournaments, such as FIFA World Cup qualifiers or AFC Champions League matches, cause scheduling issues for J1 League games.
Venue Issues: Problems related to the stadium, such as field damage or technical difficulties, lead to postponements.
Logistical Problems: Unforeseen challenges, such as transportation issues for teams or referees, result in delays or rescheduled matches.

Postponements are managed according to established regulations and protocols in the J1 League to ensure impartiality and transparency. Rescheduling regulations state that changes are unable to be made less than one month before a match to avoid penalties, such as point deductions. Matches are only be postponed or canceled for valid reasons, like severe weather. Teams typically initiate ticket exchanges or refunds for postponed games, and supporters find more information on individual clubs' websites. The J.LEAGUE formally announces postponements, explaining safety concerns like natural disasters. The league collaborates with clubs and officials to make necessary schedule adjustments, maintaining the integrity of the season.

Severe Weather: Extreme weather events like typhoons, heavy rainfall, or snow create unsafe conditions for players and fans, necessitating postponement.
Natural Disasters: Significant events like earthquakes lead to game delays or cancellations to prioritize safety.
Health Concerns: Outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, postpone matches, particularly if players or staff are affected.
International Competitions: Conflicts with international tournaments, such as FIFA World Cup qualifiers or AFC Champions League matches, cause scheduling issues for J1 League games.
Venue Issues: Problems related to the stadium, such as field damage or technical difficulties, lead to postponements.
Logistical Problems: Unforeseen challenges, such as transportation issues for teams or referees, result in delays or rescheduled matches.