Apologies for the delay. It’s a bit out of date, but the info is still solid. @GifuRichy takes a look at the race for the J.League….
Chasing the J – The Regions (Final League Standings)
In order to have a chance to be able to be promoted to the JFL teams have to first make it to the Regional League Championship. There are currently two ways to get there:
1) Become the top team in your league.
2) Enter the All Japan Shakaijin Tournament. A brutal 5 day knockout tournament held in October where the top 3 teams gain a place in the Regional League Championship.
Fukui – Saurcos Fukui
Saurcos were unable to defend their title this year after losing to rivals Artista Toubu 1-0, and finishing 2nd place overall. It was a tough pill to swallow for Saurcos, who lost only one match that season, and their manager subsequently quit because of it.
1. 37 (+49) Artista Toubu
2. 35 (+41) Saurcos Fukui
Chance of making Regional Championship: Saurcos have to finish in the top three of the All Japan Shakaijin Tournament in October to reach the Regional Championship.
Mie – Suzuka Unlimited, Veertien Mie, FC Ise-Shima
Kariya FC ended up winning the Tokai League with room to spare in 2016. Suzuka Unlimited came in second only losing to Kariya FC in the league. Veertien managed a 2-2 draw with Kariya towards the end but were let down by early losses to Suzuka and Kariya. Ise-Shima battled gallantly but fell away at the end.
1. 40 (+36) FC Kariya
2. 32 (+21) Suzuka Unlimited
3. 30 (+25) Veertien Mie
4. 23 (-1) FC Ise-Shima
Chance of making Regional Championship: Suzuka, Veertien and Ise-Shima have to finish in the top three of the All Japan Shakaijin Tournament in October to reach the Regional Championship.
Wakayama – Arterivo Wakayama
Arterivo looked to have bottled their chance of winning the Kansai League after they lost two of their last three games. But they held their nerve, beating Bantionce Kakogawa 5-0 in the final league game, while Amity SC Kyoto could only manage a 6-1 win, meaning that Arterivo became Kansai champions by a solitary goal differential of +1.
1. 34 (+25) Arterivo Wakayama
2. 34 (+24) Amity SC Kyoto
Chance of making Regional Championship: Arterivo confirmed their place in the Regional Championship in November.
Shimane – Matsue City, Dezolla Shimane
Matsue City were comprehensively beaten by SRC Hiroshima 3-0 which ultimately lost them the title. Dezolla finished 6th overall.
1. 35 (+36) SRC Hiroshima
2. 34 (+26) Matsue City
6. 20 (-5) Dezolla Shimane
Chance of making Regional Championship: Matsue City and Dezolla have to finish in the top three of the All Japan Shakaijin Tournament in October to reach the Regional Championship.
Kochi – Kochi United
When Kochi lost to Imabari early on it put the pressure on them, and they were never able to recover in time to grab the title. Imabari grabbed that instead, but Kochi will feel a little comfort as they beat Imabari 3-1 in the last round, gaining their first ever win over their Shikoku rival, while also gaining some momentum to carry into the Shakaijin tournament.
1. 39 (+57) FC Imabari
2. 37 (+64) Kochi United
Chance of making Regional Championship: Kochi United have to finish in the top three of the All Japan Shakaijin Tournament in October to reach the Regional Championship.
Miyazaki – Tegevajaro Miyazaki, J.FC Miyazaki
In the shortened version of the Kyushu League, J.FC Miyazaki came out on top after defeating Tegevajaro 1-0 to bring the team to their first ever Regional Championship. Both teams finished the season with just one loss from eight games, although J.FC lost a game on PKs, whereas Tegevajaro lost the game the ultimately decided their fate against J.FC.
1. 25 (+16) J.FC Miyazaki
2. 21 (+21) Tegevajaro Miyazaki
Chance of making Regional Championship:
J.FC Miyazaki confirmed their place in the Regional Championship in November. Tegevajaro have to finish in the top three of the All Japan Shakaijin Tournament in October to reach the Regional Championship.
J. League Regista 