It was affiliated with NKK, a steel company that today is part of the JFE Holdings conglomerate.

From 1985 to 1988 it was a regular contender for the JSL title, and was runners-up three times in a row.

NKK was the first club to win both the Emperor's Cup and promotion as second tier champions, achieved this in 1981.

Yamaha Motor, now known as Júbilo Iwata, would follow the next year, and FC Tokyo would accomplish that as well in 2011.

When the J.League was formed in 1992, NKK decided not to turn professional and join the former Japan Football League.