In 1999 and 2000 it added extra promotion places due to the formation and expansion of the new JFL.
They are also the only club to retain the title, as they failed to be promoted in their first attempt due to losing a playoff series.
Until 2009, the number of places in the tournament was 16, distributed as follows: As of 2010, the regional league runners-up are no longer eligible and the university association is no longer allowed to make recommendations, reducing the number of places to 12.
The usual 3-1-0 system is used; however, in case of a draw, a penalty shootout is added and the winner gets one extra point.
Source: JFA Clubs in bold compete in the J.League (any division) in the 2025 season.