Statistics of Japan Soccer League for the 1988–89 season.
For the first time, the format of three points for a win was adopted, but only for the First Division.
Four-time champion Mitsubishi was relegated for the first time, along with struggling Sumitomo.
Toshiba won a second championship, but this time their promotion was automatic.
Fallen giant Hitachi, still adjusting to the change in town, joined them.