Japan Football Association

The Japan Football Association is the governing body responsible for the administration of football, futsal, beach soccer and efootball in Japan. It is responsible for the football team|national team], as well as club competitions.

History

The organization was founded in 1921 as the Greater Japan Football Association, and became affiliated with FIFA in 1929. In 1945, the name of the organization was changed to the Japan Football Association; its Japanese name was changed to the current title in 1975. The association generally translates its name to "Japan Football Association" in English, though "Japan Soccer Association" is also used.

Identity

Flag

The symbol of the JFA is the Yatagarasu, a mythical three-legged raven that guided Emperor Jimmu to Mount Kumano. Yatagarasu is also the messenger of the supreme Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu.

Anthem

In 1994, the JFA asked Ryuichi Sakamoto to compose the instrumental song - "Japanese Soccer Anthem". There is an arrangement version by Yasuhide Ito. This anthem is played at the beginning of JFA-sponsored events, such as the Emperor's Cup matches and as a prelude to kickoff at stadiums.

Members

The following is a list of presidents of Japan Football Association. The Honorary President is Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado.
Last updated: 6 March 2022

Name

Role

Ref.

Management

JFA Academy Fukushima
JFA Academy Sakai
JFA Academy Imabari
JFA Academy Kumamoto Uki

Sponsorship

Last updated: 15 August 2024

Company	Period
Kirin	1 January 2023 – 31 December 2030

Company	Period
ANA	27 February 2023 – 31 December 2026
Saison	5 November 2001 – 31 December 2030
au	25 August 2016 – 31 December 2026
Mitsui Fudosan	1 October 2023 – 31 March 2027
Mizuho	1 April 2013 – 31 December 2026
MS&AD	2 May 2008 – 31 December 2026
Toyo Tires	1 May 2021 – 31 December 2026

Company	Period
APA Hotel	1 March 2023 – 31 December 2026
Toyota	1 January 2024 – 31 December 2027
Yomiuri Shimbun	21 March 2023 – 31 December 2026

National teams

Men

Team

Head coach

Appointed

Time as Manager

Japan national football team

sortname|Hajime|Moriyasuright|26 7 2018right|ayd|2021|12|16

Women

Team

Head coach

Appointed

Time as Manager

Japan women's national football team

sortname|Nils|Nielsenright|12 12 2024 right| ayd|2024|12|12

League system

Japanese clubs' placements at each league may determine the JFA-organized competition the club will participate in, or if they will be qualified to one at all.

Men

As of the 2025 season, all clubs in the top two tiers enter the Emperor's Cup directly, with the clubs below it having to qualify through prefectural tournaments.

Women

As of 2024–25 [WE League season|2024–25 season], all clubs in the top two tiers enter the Empress's Cup directly, with the clubs below having to qualify through regional tournaments. The top-tier clubs also qualify to the WE League Cup.

Competitions

''Only includes tournaments organized by the JFA.''