The league fixture began on March 18 and ended in 25 November.
Of these clubs, Kashiwa Reysol and Cerezo Osaka were newly promoted teams from Japan Football League.
The games went to golden-goal extra time and penalties if needed after regulation.
The clubs were ranked by points and tie breakers are, in the following order: The club that finished at the top of the table is declared stage champion and qualifies for the Suntory Championship.
The first stage winner, hosts the first leg in the championship series.