[2] The third-tier nationwide league is a relatively recent development in Japanese football with a first attempt made in 1992 (second division of the old JFL), though it only lasted for two seasons.

After the introduction of J3, the JFL was demoted to the fourth-tier nationwide league, for the first time in history of Japanese football.

Among the 10 original clubs of the third tier included the forerunners to Kyoto Sanga FC, Ventforet Kofu, Omiya Ardija, Avispa Fukuoka and Vissel Kobe (the latter two being located in different regions from their J.

But despite its officially amateur status the league quickly became de facto semi-professional, serving as the cradle of the future J.

Since the establishment of associate membership system in 2006 the number of professional clubs holding or actively seeking for this status has grown steadily and reached its peak in 2013 season when 6 full members and 2 former candidates made up to almost half of the league's 18 teams.

The league would also provide more relaxed licensing criteria in comparison to J2 – e.g. the stadium seating capacity of just 3,000 with no mandatory floodlighting.

[5] After the discussion on J1-J2 Joint Committee on 16 January 2013, all J.League clubs agreed in principle with an establishment of the new league starting 2014.

The following is a list of clubs that may get promoted to J.League in the near future:[12] Other teams have applied for the 100 Year plan status or a J3 license but were denied.

Four teams, one withdrew its J3 license, two their 100 Year Plan status, formerly associate membership, and another was deprived of both: Some sources claimed that J3 was intended to reach up to 60 clubs in the future, being split into three regionalized divisions running in parallel.

The regular season will begin in August and pause for a winter break between December and February, with the final matches played in May.