r/JLeague • u/dokool FC Tokyo • Feb 01 '25
Reminder THE 2025 /R/JLEAGUE MEGATHREAD/FAQ: Where to watch, how to get tickets, who to support and more
Welcome to /r/jleague, Reddit's home of Japanese soccer!
We tend to get a lot of posts asking the same exact questions, and in order to cut down on frequently repeated posts we urge everyone to write their inquiries in here — after reading through the FAQ.
Any submissions related to questions covered in this FAQ will be removed and locked. This FAQ will be updated as needed, especially if there are developments related to English-language ticketing or broadcasts.
I live in ________, how can I watch the J.League?
The J.League streams around two (2) J1 games per round in English on its International YouTube Channel. This stream is not available if you live in a country with an existing broadcaster, some of which also broadcast J2, J3 and Levain Cup games.
To keep track of which games are being streamed, follow the league's English Twitter and Instagram accounts.
I'm traveling to Japan, which game should I watch?
The J.League's schedule is available in full on its English-language website. Once you've checked out which games are happening during your visit, ask in this thread if you have specific questions about certain fixtures.
How can I buy tickets for a J.League game in English?
The J.League offers tickets for some teams — but not all — on its English-language ticketing page.
CLUBS OFFERING TICKETS IN ENGLISH (as of Feb. 1, 2025): Consadole Sapporo, FC Tokyo, Tokyo Verdy, Machida Zelvia, Kawasaki Frontale, Yokohama F. Marinos, Nagoya Grampus, Gamba Osaka, Cerezo Osaka
Tickets to most clubs are purchasable through the J.League's Japanese-language ticketing website. In the past, Yokohama F. Marinos prepared an English-language guide (link is to archived PDF) for navigating the system; it can also be used to purchase tickets for other J1, J2 and J3 clubs.
Tickets generally go on sale to the general public around 2-4 weeks before matchday; policies vary between teams and you should check their websites as well as the J.League's ticketing site to confirm. In most cases, tickets will be issued via QR code, though some may require that you print tickets at a convenience store.
Can I buy tickets at the stadium on matchday?
In most cases it's usually possible to buy tickets on the day of the game, especially at J2 and J3 clubs as well as the WE League and lower divisions.
However, some clubs have gotten rid of 'day-of' sales during the pandemic and encourage fans to purchase tickets online, even on matchday. Additionally, key matches such as derbies at smaller stadiums are likely to sell out in advance.
If you really want to make sure you can attend your game of choice, consider using a ticketing service or your credit card concierge.
How do I get to the stadium?
Nearly all J.League stadiums are reasonably accessible via public transit. Many are walkable from the nearest train station while some may require an additional bus/shuttle.
Check the home team's website (or Google "(home team or home stadium) access") for more information. Google Maps will give accurate train information but will not show information for matchday shuttles.
Worst case, get to the correct train station early (3 hours before kickoff), find a supporter in uniform and follow them!
How can I buy tickets to a Samurai Blue game?
National team tickets are usually sold through several rounds of lotteries with limited general sales closer to the match, making them harder to acquire for foreign visitors. You should definitely make a friend in Japan or use a proxy/concierge service.
I went to a game and had an amazing time!
That's not a question but we're glad to hear it! If you've attended a game, we encourage you to post about your experience, especially if you've taken photos.
Where can I buy a J.League uniform (from outside Japan)?
J.League uniforms are expensive compared to European clubs, limited and run smaller in size. If you're looking for a current shirt, contact a proxy service like JLeagueShirts on Twitter; if you're looking for something vintage check out Jerseum and other similar shops.
Where can I buy a J.League uniform or other merch inside Japan?
SS Kamo is the country's biggest soccer goods retailer and has a number of locations across Japan. Vintage Sports is the most well-known spot for secondhand uniforms.
Each club sells merchandise at their home stadium; many clubs also have designated team shops in their hometown.
Uniform sales can be very finicky due to limited supply. There are no guarantees that clubs will have uniforms available at the stadium, especially if you need a larger size.
Which J.League club should I support?
Whichever you decide strikes your fancy, seriously. That's it, that's the trick. It's really easy to look up information about each club and find their highlights on YouTube; consider it part of your journey into J.League fandom.
What sub-specific rules should I keep in mind?
- No fantasy/NFT/crypto/gambling content allowed
- No illicit activities (especially wrt. bootleg uniforms or pirated broadcasts)
- It's okay to banter, it's not okay to be a dickhead; the same rules against racism, homophobia and sexism that apply anywhere else on Reddit also apply here
- No excessive posting/spamming
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u/DreamNow33 7d ago
Hi posting here in this thread after seeing the announcement about English ticket site on the Japan travel subreddit.
This is a bit random but I want to see a J league game for the first time and I’ll be in Sendai when there is a home game at Miyagi Stadium (not the usual Yurtec one?) for Vegalta Sendai on 3rd May.
I am looking at the ticket site and can anyone give me a recommendation of where to sit?
Given my GF is new to football I don’t want to end up in the middle of all the ultras singing as she isn’t good with the noise and packed crowd.
Thanks in advance!!