The Japanese J2 League is the second division of professional football in Japan, serving as a crucial competitive and developmental bridge between J1 and the lower tiers. Founded in 1999, it is a fully professional league that shares the J.League headquarters in Tokyo. The league typically features 22 teams competing in a double-round-robin format over a lengthy season. The top two teams earn automatic promotion to J1, while the next several teams enter a promotion playoff series, adding intense drama to the final stages of the campaign. Conversely, the bottom clubs face relegation to the J3 League. The J2 League is known for its competitive balance and has become a breeding ground for future J1 stars and a home for clubs with strong regional support. The league champion is awarded the J2 League title, with individual accolades like MVP and Top Scorer also highly prized by players.