Tochigi SC, the 2017 J3 League runners-up, earned promotion to the J2 League after securing another runners-up season; this time, unlike 2016, it was enough to clinch direct promotion.
Defending champions are Blaublitz Akita, which became the first club not to gain promotion after winning the championship since J3's inception.
Thespakusatsu Gunma was the new entry for the league: it was their first third division season since 2004, when they were promoted to J2 from JFL.
No promotion from Japan Football League came this time.
Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium 21,000 Updated to games played on 2 December 2018Source: J.