In the same year, FC Tokyo became eligible, they finished second in the J2 league and were automatically promoted to J1 beginning in the 2000 season.

Helped by its winning record, the attendance shot up and it is still above that of well-known Tokyo Verdy 1969 that moved its home town from Kawasaki, Kanagawa in 2001.

Long-time leader Amaral, nicknamed The King of Tokyo by his fans, departed the team to join Shonan Bellmare in 2004.

He was replaced by Athens Olympics national football team player Yasuyuki Konno from Consadole Sapporo.

On 4 December 2010, FC Tokyo had to win their final game of the season away to already relegated Kyoto Sanga.

They became the first J2 team, and third among the second-tier champions overall (after NKK SC in 1981 and Júbilo Iwata in 1982), to accomplish the feat of winning the competition.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.