Japan Women's First Division Championship
The Japan Women's First Division Championship, branded as WE League, stands as the pinnacle of women's club football in Japan. Launched in 2021, it features 12 professional teams battling for supremacy domestically and eyeing continental glory. This league emerged amid surging interest in women's soccer following Japan's 2011 World Cup triumph.
History and foundation
Japan's women's football traces back to the 1980s with the semi-pro L. League. Amid J-League's corruption scandals in the 2010s, the Japan Football Association overhauled the women's sector. WE League debuted in September 2021, succeeding the old format. INAC Kobe Leonessa claimed the inaugural title, with highlights including new entrants like Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Attendance hit over 10,000 for marquee clashes, streamed on DAZN.
Tournament format
The format is a double round-robin: 22 matches per team. The regular season champion is crowned without playoffs. Three points for a win, one for a draw. Top four advance to the AFC Women's Champions League. Bottom two face relegation to Nadeshiko League. The season runs autumn to spring, pausing for national team duties.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.4, emphasizing skill and counters. Top scorer Yuki Taniguchi (INAC Kobe) netted 15 in the debut season. Standouts include Koharu Matsuda (Urawa Red Diamonds) for dribbling flair; Arina Miuki (Nojima Stella), a prolific finisher with Euro stints; Hana Takeuchi (Nippon TV Beleza), over 100 career goals. The league nurtured 2011 World Cup stars like Aya Miyazaki.