The J1 League is the top professional football (soccer) league in Japan. Established in 1993, it features 18 teams competing annually for the championship. The league operates on a promotion and relegation system with the J2 League, allowing teams to move between divisions based on their performance. Matches are typically held from February to December, with each team playing 34 games in a round-robin format. The league is known for its passionate fan base and has produced many talented players who have gone on to represent Japan in international competitions.