The 2002 S-Pulse season was S-Pulse's eleventh season in existence and their tenth season in the J1 League.

The team finished the season eighth in the league.

Shimizu S-Pulse qualified for this tournament as runners-up of the 2000 Emperor's Cup, as the winners (Kashima Antlers) have already qualified to the Asian Club Championship as the league winners.

Shimizu S-Pulse entered the qualifying rounds as winners of the 2001 Emperor's Cup.

Shimizu S-Pulse qualified to the 2002–03 AFC Champions League.