Honda FC was awarded a seeded entry as the JFA's annually specially-designated amateur club, in order to turn the quantity of teams in the First Round to an even number.
[2] Urawa Red Diamonds were the defending champions, but were eliminated by Thespakusatsu Gunma in the third round.
Ventforet Kofu won their first major title over Sanfrecce Hiroshima and qualified for the 2023–24 AFC Champions League group stage.
On a very rare occasion, the final was moved to be played on mid-October, due to Japan's participation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held at the end of the year.
The opening round of the 2022 Emperor's Cup with the 47 Prefectural Cup Final winners and a specially-seeded amateur team (Honda FC) was played from 21 to 22 May, with 23 May being the alternative match-playing date, if the match needed by any reason to be rescheduled.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima qualified to the semi-finals while sitting as J1's 2nd-placed team, Kashima Antlers as J1's 4th-place, and Kyoto Sanga as J1's 13th-place, one point off the relegation zone.