Wikipedia - Nadeshiko League

The Japan Women's Football League (Japanese: 日本女子サッカーリーグ, Nihon Joshi Sakkā Rīgu), commonly known as the Nadeshiko League (Japanese: なでしこリーグ, Nadeshiko Rīgu), is a semi-professional women's association football league in Japan.

The Nadeshiko League consists of two divisions that correspond to the second and third levels of the Japanese women's football pyramid respectively. Teams are promoted and relegated between the divisions, and between the Nadeshiko League Division 2 and the fourth-level Japanese regional leagues, based on performance in the previous season. Prior to 2021, the Nadeshiko League occupied the top level of the Japanese women's football pyramid as well; that level is now represented by the fully professional WE League.

Since 2008, the Nadeshiko League has been sponsored by Plenus (株式会社プレナス), a fast food (bento) company based in Fukuoka.

History

The Japan Women's Football League, or the L. League, was founded in 1989. From 1993 to 1999 it adopted an Apertura and Clausura system, similar to the J. League system of that era. From 2000 to 2003 the clubs were divided into East and West groups and then the top clubs of each would go into a championship group, with the bottom clubs in a relegation group. In 2004 the single-table format was brought back. Teams from this early era would host annual training camps to build skills and relationships with international women's football clubs, such as those in the United States and Australia.

In 2004 the L. League acquired the nickname the Nadeshiko League. Nadeshiko is the name of the dianthus flower and was chosen from suggestions by fans, signifying an ideal of a dutiful Japanese woman.

In the 2004 season, the L. League added a second division, and until 2009 the league operated in the same way as the old Japan Soccer League for men where the bottom club in the second division playing off against a regional league playoff winner. In 2010, the second division was divided into east and west groups of six teams each; the winners of each group were promoted to the first division.

After Japan's World Cup win in 2011, the L. League saw an upsurge in popularity. In 2015, the league added a third division called the Nadeshiko Challenge League (チャレンジリーグ, Charenji Rīgu) was added, and the first and second divisions now had 10 teams each.

In 2020, the Japan Football Association announced that the newly established WE League will become the top level for women's football in Japan in 2021. The Nadeshiko League would then become the second to fourth levels of the Japanese women's football pyramid. After many top teams left for the WE League, the Nadeshiko League abolished the third division in 2021.

The Japan L1 League Women is a highly competitive and prestigious soccer tournament held annually in Japan. It showcases the immense talent and skill of women's soccer teams from across the country.

The tournament features top-tier teams from the Japanese Women's Football League, also known as the Nadeshiko League, which is the highest level of women's soccer in Japan. These teams consist of some of the most talented and dedicated female athletes in the country, who compete fiercely for the coveted championship title.

The Japan L1 League Women provides a platform for these teams to showcase their abilities and compete against each other in a series of thrilling matches. The tournament follows a round-robin format, where each team plays against every other team in the league. The matches are held at various stadiums across Japan, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere for both players and spectators.

The level of play in the Japan L1 League Women is exceptionally high, with teams displaying exceptional technical skills, tactical prowess, and physical fitness. The matches are characterized by fast-paced action, intricate passing, and breathtaking goals. The players exhibit great teamwork, discipline, and determination, making every match a spectacle to behold.

The tournament not only serves as a platform for showcasing the talent of women's soccer in Japan but also acts as a stepping stone for players to gain recognition and potentially represent the national team. Many players who have excelled in the Japan L1 League Women have gone on to represent Japan in international competitions, including the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympic Games.

The Japan L1 League Women is not only a celebration of women's soccer but also a testament to the growing popularity and success of the sport in Japan. It attracts a dedicated fan base, both in the stadiums and through television broadcasts, who passionately support their favorite teams and players.

Overall, the Japan L1 League Women is a thrilling and highly competitive soccer tournament that showcases the immense talent and dedication of women's soccer teams in Japan. It is a must-watch event for soccer enthusiasts and a testament to the growing prominence of women's soccer in the country.