J2 History: 1999

The second division had quite a successful opening season. If anything, fan support was even more encouraging than that in the J1. While teams were not able to draw the sort of crowds that J1 teams generally did, it was clear that the teams had strong grass-roots support, which was seen as the key to ensuring that the J.League established itself in Japan. Three teams in particular had excellent seasons -- FC Tokyo (the former JFL team Tokyo Gas), Kawasaki Frontale, and Oita Trinita.
Oita Trinita's performance was the highlight of the J2 in its initial season. From its home base in the tiny rural town of Oita, the team gathered fanatical local support, and for a while, it seemed that the liliputian club might be able to knock off one of the big-city giants, earning promotion ahead of either Tokyo or Kawasaki. Unfortunately, Oita fell short by losing a heartbreaking match in the last game of the season. As a result, FC Tokyo and Kawasaki Frontale earned promotion. The two teams relegated from the J1 were Urawa Reds and Bellmare Hiratsuka. In addition, Mito Hollyhock joined the J2 after winning the JFL title.

PROMOTED:
Kawasaki Frontale
FC Tokyo

J2 League Table
Rank Team GP W D L Pts GF GA G.Dif
90 ET

1 Kawasaki Frontale 36 20 5 3 8 73 69 34 35

2 FC Tokyo 36 19 2 3 12 64 51 35 16

3 Oita Trinita 36 18 3 3 12 63 62 42 20

4 Albirex Niigata 36 16 4 2 14 58 46 40 6

5 Consadole Sapporo 36 15 2 6 13 55 54 35 19

6 Omiya Ardija 36 14 4 1 17 51 47 44 3

7 Montedio Yamagata 36 14 1 4 17 48 47 53 -6

8 Sagan Tosu 36 11 1 2 22 37 52 64 -12

9 Vegalta Sendai 36 7 3 4 22 31 30 58 -28

10 Ventforet Kofu 36 4 1 4 27 18 32 85 -53

RELEGATED:
Urawa Reds
Bellmare Hiratsuka

Advanced from JFL
Mito Hollyhock