The J. League Division 1, also known as the J1 League, is the top professional football league in Japan. Established in 1993, it features 18 teams competing annually for the championship. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the J2 League, which is the second tier of Japanese football. Each season, teams play a total of 34 matches, facing each opponent twice, once at home and once away. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champion. The J1 League is known for its passionate fan base and has produced many talented players who have gone on to achieve international success.