A national third tier of Japanese league football was first established in 1992, as the second division of former Japan Football League, though it only lasted for two seasons.

The old Japan Football League was established simultaneously with creation of J.League and was initially a two-level tournament but that lasted only for two inaugural seasons.

With the establishment of J.League Division 2, the new Japan Football League was automatically moved a tier down the pyramid comparing to its discontinued namesake.

League launched a fully professional third division.

For play-off winners, the number in parentheses indicates their position after the end of the season.