2023 J.LEAGUE Match Coverage Guidelines for International Media
1. Coverage of J.League Matches
- The J.LEAGUE only accepts coverage of its matches for the purpose of “sports journalism” (this also applies to official J.LEAGUE events).
- When coverage is concentrated at a single venue (e.g., during championship-deciding matches or J.LEAGUE-managed matches), the setup may differ from normal.
- Internet media-only photographers and video coverage (including mobile/smartphone sites and apps) are generally not accepted, with some exceptions.
- On match days, recording, live streaming, relaying, and internet distribution without permission is not allowed, even outside of the matches.
- Please comply with the Property Usage Regulations regarding matters such as the publication of copyrighted works.
- If your activities harm the interests of the J.LEAGUE or J.Clubs, or defame or slander individuals or groups, causing a detriment to Japanese football, we may refuse future coverage requests.
2. Match Coverage Application
All media outlets planning to cover J.League official matches must apply in advance.
For Those Without a J.League Media Channel Account
The League will determine whether you should apply through the Media Portal or by email. Please provide details of the desired match and coverage to mediach@j-league.or.jp.
For Those with a J.League Media Channel Account
- Apply for match coverage through the J.League Media Channel no later than two days before the match day (some matches may have earlier application deadlines).
- On the day of the coverage, show the QR code for the match obtained from the J.League Media Channel at the media reception to pick up your accreditation (AD = press pass) for written press and bibs for photographers and TV crews.
- At the media reception, you may be asked to present identification (press card, ID card, copy of coverage application, etc.). Please note that coverage may be refused if you cannot provide identification.
Coverage Application Unit
Written press (news agencies, newspapers, magazines, radio stations) and photographers (news agencies, newspapers, magazines, etc.) should apply individually, while TV crews should apply as a unit with the representative making the application. TV crews should consist of 2 to 4 members.
Coverage Application Period and Deadline
Applications will generally be accepted from 10 days before the match, with a deadline of 4 p.m. two days before the match (e.g., 4 p.m. on the Thursday immediately before a Saturday match). The application acceptance period and deadline may differ for J.LEAGUE-managed matches such as the FUJIFILM SUPER CUP and J.LEAGUE YBC Levain Cup Final.
3. Match Coverage by International Media
International Media Based in Japan
For reporters and photographers from international news agencies (AP, AFP, Reuters, EPA, EFE, Getty) who have experience in covering J.League official matches, please obtain a J.League Media Portal account through your Japanese branch and apply for match coverage through the J.League Media Channel. The coverage slots will be in accordance with the quota for the relevant match.
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International Media Based Outside Japan
For match coverage by international media based outside Japan, the application method and property usage rules differ from those for media based in Japan. If you wish to cover a match, please contact mediach@j-league.or.jp. Please note that fees generally apply, especially for video usage.
Coverage Slots
- Coverage slots will be in accordance with the quota for the relevant match. For photographers, there is a limit of one person per company per match. However, this does not apply if an interpreter or coordinator is required to accompany the photographer. If you wish to have an interpreter or coordinator accompany you, please let us know when applying to cover the match, and J.LEAGUE will decide whether or not they can accompany you.
- Freelancers should apply through their affiliated media outlet. The signature of the responsible person from the media outlet is required on the application form.
- For coverage by internet media written press and photographers, J.LEAGUE will decide whether or not to accept the application after receiving it.
Application for Written Press and Photographer Coverage
- Fill out the necessary information on the form and submit it to the following address by 5 days before the relevant match: mediach@j-league.or.jp
- All international television stations and other media wishing to cover the J.LEAGUE on video should check the section below on “Television Stations and Media Wishing to Cover the J.LEAGUE on Video.”
- If you are covering the J.LEAGUE for the first time, please attach proof of your media affiliation, such as a copy of your foreign press registration card or employee ID, and a copy of your publication, to the application form.
- Upon reviewing your application, J.LEAGUE will inform you whether your coverage is approved or not.
Television Stations and Media Wishing to Cover the J.LEAGUE on Video
For international television stations and other media wishing to cover the J.LEAGUE on video, please contact the following address and indicate your media outlet, coverage purpose, and coverage plan at least 10 days before the match day: mediaservice@j-league.or.jp
- Upon reviewing your application, J.LEAGUE will inform you whether your coverage is approved or not. Please understand that due to broadcasting rights, there may be instances where coverage is not permitted.
- Please note that fees generally apply for the use of match footage taken by international television stations and other video coverage. Fees may also apply for non-match footage (Mixed Zone, press conferences, etc.).
- Even if video recording is not allowed, written coverage is still possible. For inquiries regarding television/video coverage: mediaservice@j-league.or.jp
4. Priority at the Upper Limit of Slots for J.LEAGUE Coverage
At the upper limit of slots, priority will be given to written press and photographers in the following categories. If the number of applicants exceeds the limit, a lottery may be held, or the hometown media of the competing clubs may be given priority at the club's discretion.
Written press （Numbers indicate priority）
| Category No. | Category | Media |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | News agencies | Kyodo News / Jiji Press (Depending on the situation, priority is given to local newspapers in 3 below) |
| 2 | News papers | Asahi Shimbun / Mainichi Newspapers / Yomiuri Shimbun / Nikkei / SANKEI SHIMBUN |
| Sports news papers / Evening news papers | Nikkan Sports News / SPORTS NIPPON NEWSPAPERS/ The Hochi Shimbun / Daily Sports / SANKEI SPORTS / Chunichi Sports / DOSHIN SPORTS / Nishinippon Sports / Tokyo Sports Press / FUJI EVENING NEWS | |
| Block paper | Hokkaido Shimbun / Tokyo Shimbun / Chunichi Shimbun / Nishinippon Shimbun | |
| 3 | Local newspapers | Local newspapers affiliated with the Sports Press Club of the prefecture where the J.Clubs are located and affiliated with The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association |
| English news paper | The Japan Times | |
| Television Stations in Tokyo and Affiliated station / Television Stations not affiliated with key stations | NHK（Japan Broadcasting Corporation）/ Nippon Television / TV Asahi / TBS（TOKYO BROADCASTING SYSTEM TELEVISION）/ TV TOKYO / Fuji Television Network / Local Television Stations for key station / Indipendent UHF TV Station | |
| 4 | Media specialized in football and sports | BASEBALL MAGAZINE (Soccer Magazine) / Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing Inc.（SOCCER DIGEST）/ SQUAD,inc (ELGOLAZO) / FROM ONE (SOCCER KING) / BUNGEISHUNJU（Number） / Sportsnavi / DAZN News / Goal.com / KODANSHA（GEKISAKA） / SHUEISHA（Web Sportiva）/ Creative2（Football Zone） / Js LINK（SEA） |
| 5 | Registered freelance written press | Registered freelance written press |
| 6 | TV stations | TV stations other than No.3 above which have Club Support program |
| 7 | Others | Radio station / Local media Magazines not included in No.4 above / TV stations not included in No.6 above / Other media |
- Only a select few media outlets approved by the J.LEAGUE and J.Clubs will be allowed to cover matches through internet media alone (including mobile/smartphone sites and apps); movie coverage is not allowed.
- Other media will only be allowed to cover matches if the home club approves them for each match. The eligible media outlets will generally be based in each club's hometown, providing local information and fitting the above category 7.
※For international news agencies and other foreign media members of Foreign Press in Japan (FPIJ) who wish to cover a match, priority will be determined according to the desired coverage content and media category. In the case of the following news agencies, priority will be considered according to (1) through (3): AP, AFP, Reuters, EFE, and state news agencies of countries involved in the relevant match.
Photographer（Numbers indicate priority）
| Category No. | Category | Media |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | News agencies | Kyodo News / Jiji Press (Depending on the situation, priority is given to local newspapers in 3 below) |
| 2 | News papers | Asahi Shimbun / Mainichi Newspapers / Yomiuri Shimbun / Nikkei / SANKEI SHIMBUN |
| Sports news papers / Evening news papers | Nikkan Sports News / SPORTS NIPPON NEWSPAPERS/ Hochi Shimbun / Daily Sports / SANKEI SPORTS / Chunichi Sports / DOSHIN SPORTS / Nishinippon Sports / Tokyo Sports Press / FUJI EVENING NEWS | |
| Block paper | Hokkaido Shimbun /Tokyo Shimbun / Chunichi Shimbun / Nishinippon Shimbun | |
| 3 | Local newspapers | Local newspapers affiliated with the Sports Press Club of the prefecture where the J.Clubs are located and affiliated with The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association |
| English news paper | The Japan Times | |
| 4 | Media specialized in football and sports | BASEBALL MAGAZINE（Soccer Magazine）/ Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing Inc.(SOCCER DIGEST) / SQUAD,inc (ELGOLAZO/FROM ONE(SOCCER KING) / BUNGEISHUNJU（Number） / Sportsnavi / DAZN News / Goal.com/ KODANSHA(GEKISAKA) / SHUEISHA(Web Sportiva) / Creative2（Football Zone） / Js LINK（SEA） |
| 5 | Registered freelance photographer | Registered photographer agencies / Registered Freelance photographer |
| 6 | Others | Other media / Registered photographer / Local media other than WEB media |
※For international news agencies and other foreign media members of FPIJ who wish to cover a match, priority will be determined according to the desired coverage content and media category. In the case of the following news agencies, priority will be considered according to (1) through (3): AP, AFP, Reuters, EPA, EFE/Getty, and state news agencies of countries involved in the relevant match.
TV crews（Numbers indicate priority）
| Category No. | Category | Media |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Television Stations in Tokyo/ Local Television Stations | NHK(Japan Broadcasting Corporation) / Nippon Television / TV Asahi / TBS (TOKYO BROADCASTING SYSTEM TELEVISION) / TV TOKYO / Fuji Television Network / Local Television Stations for key station / Television Stations not affiliated with key stations |
| 2 | Indipendent UHF TV Station | Tochigi Television / Gunma Television / MXTV / Television KANAGAWA / Television Saitama / Chiba Television / GIFU Broadcasting System / Kyoto Broadcasting System / SUN TV/NARA TELEVISION |
| 3 | Football program / CATV which have Club support program / BS,CS broadcasting | ― |
※Please note that CATV, pay-per-view BS, and CS broadcasts may not film MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE matches. The video usage rules will be in accordance with the 2023 J.LEAGUE Media Guide and Video Usage Regulations.
5. AD Classification Table
| Category | Media | Design | Permissible area | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Rights Holders (NRH) | PRESS | written press |  Yellow green |
Press tribune / Press room / other designated press zones |
| PRESS | photographer |  Yellow |
Press room / Photo areas on the field /Other designated press zones ※Photography in the stands is prohibited ※Film runners must wear designated armbands ※Not allowed to move during match. |
|
| TV-PRESS NRH （Non-Rights Holder） |
TV crews |  Red |
Press room / Photo areas on the field / other designated press zones * Shooting at the stand level is generally not allowed. Shooting is permitted only in special cases approved based on the program’s content. ※Film runners must wear designated armbands ※Not allowed to move during match. |
|
| Official movie | HB （Host Broadcast） |
Host Broadcast |  Black |
Press room / Photo areas on the field / Broadcasting room / Photo areas in the stands / other designated press zones ※Access to the pitch is only allowed when players enter or when otherwise necessary. |
| HB （Host Broadcast） |
Host Broadcast |  Orange |
Press room/ Broadcasting room/ Photo areas on the field/ other designated press zones ※Access to field level is not allowed during match. |
|
| Right | RH（Rights Holder） or TV |
Field level staff of TV crews and radio stations |  Gray |
Press room / Photo areas on the field / Broadcasting room/ other designated press zones ※Entry into the pitch is permitted only when players enter or when otherwise necessary. |
| RH（Rights Holder） | Television crew |  Brown |
Press room / Broadcasting room / field level / other designated press zones ※Access to field level is not allowed during match. |
|
| Radio stations | Radio stations staff |  Yellow |
Press room/ Broadcasting room/ field level/ other designated press zones ※Access to field level is not allowed during match. |
|
| Jleague / J.Club | ─ | J.league official photographers |  Purple |
Press tribune / Photo areas on the field / Other designated press zones ※Access to the pitch is only allowed when players enter or when otherwise necessary. ※Available area to access needs to be adjusted separately by each club |
| ─ | Scouting crew |  Blue |
Press tribune / Photo areas on the field / Broadcasting room / Photo areas in the stands Other designated press zones | |
| J.LEAGUE.jp | J league official media |  Green |
Press tribune / Photo areas on the field / Broadcasting room / Photo areas in the stands / Other designated press zones ※Available area to access needs to be adjusted separately by each club. |
|
| Giant Screen | Giant Screen |  Pink |
Photo areas on the field / Other operation area ※Available area to access needs to be adjusted separately by each club. |
|
| CLUB OFFICIAL | Club official movie（Filming matches is allowed） |  Green |
Press tribune / Photo areas on the field / Other designated press zones ※Available area to access needs to be adjusted separately by each club. |
|
| Club official movie（Filming matches is not allowed） |  Pink |
|||
| Club logo | Club exclusive photographer |  Purple |
Press tribune/ Photo areas on the field / Other designated press zones ※Access to the pitch is only allowed when players enter or when otherwise necessary ※Available area to access needs to be adjusted separately by each club. |
|
■Contact information for inquiries regarding match coverage
- General match coverage inquiries
Public Relations Department, Management Base Division, J.LEAGUE
mediach@j-league.or.jp - Inquiries regarding the J.League Media Portal and J.League Media Channel
mediach@j-league.or.jp
https://mediapt.j-league.or.jp/login
6. Points to Note About Covering Matches
To Ensure Smooth Coverage
- Wear your AD or bib for easy identification. Be sure to return it after your coverage is over.
- If you damage or lose your AD or bib, you will be responsible for the cost. In some cases, a replacement may not be issued.
- Each stadium has its own local rules, so please check the coverage guidelines posted by the host club.
- Comply with the coverage area and follow the instructions of the staff.
- As a general rule, coverage and filming outside the designated coverage and filming areas, such as spectator seats (stands), concourses, and press seats, are prohibited.
- If you wish to cover or film inside or outside the venue, including before the gates open and after the match ends, be sure to consult with the host club's public relations department in advance.
- As a general rule, refrain from interviewing or covering players and staff members listed on the match roster from 60 minutes before the match starts until the end of the match.
- As a general rule, refrain from making contact with players and staff members for purposes other than coverage activities in areas such as the Mixed Zone.
- Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas. In some cases, smoking may be completely prohibited within the stadium premises. Please check at the match venue.
- If you do not comply with the match coverage guidelines, you may be asked to leave the venue or denied coverage on the day of the match.
- If you wish to cover or film outside the designated coverage area, please contact the J.LEAGUE.
- As a general rule, unauthorized media are not allowed to post information or broadcast in real time about programs being aired, neither on the Internet, nor other communication media at the match venue (including before and after the match).
- The right to use footage capturing any and all events at a match venue (including some outside areas), including the match, press conferences, and the atmosphere before and after the match, belongs to the J.LEAGUE.
Information materials, Press Conferences, and Mixed Zone
- The member list will be uploaded to the J.League Data Site and J.League Media Channel no later than 110 minutes before a match begins, and the official record will be uploaded after the match ends.
- After a match ends, both teams’ head coaches will hold a press conference at the designated location. However, if a head coach is sent off during the match, another staff member will hold the press conference instead.
- A Mixed Zone will be set up at a designated location after the match. For information about the location, refer to the coverage guidelines and other information published by the home club on the Media Channel.
- Coverage activities in the Mixed Zone will generally be limited to written press (including from radio stations) and TV coverage. Photographers are not allowed in the Mixed Zone as a general rule.
Written Coverage
- Access to field level is not allowed. Confirm the coverage area beforehand, as it differs depending on the stadium.
- Photography in the stands including press tribune and spectator seats is prohibited.
Photographer/ENG
- As a general rule, photography on the pitch, in spectator seats (the stands), on the concourse, and in the press tribune is prohibited (official photographers are exempt from this rule).
- Video recording by photographers is prohibited.
- Bibs must be worn in the designated photo areas on the field and in the stands. You cannot cover a match in the press tribune while wearing a bib.
- Directors of TV crews, who do not need to perform coverage in the designated photo areas on the field or in the stands, will be issued an AD, so please cover the match from the press tribune or press room, etc.
7. Field Level Coverage Area
- For pre-match group photos of players and other shots, follow the instructions of the Media Operation staff at the designated location.
- During the match, photographers should take photos from the designated positions outside the goal line and touchline (tripods are not allowed).
- Please take photos within the photographer area designated by the home club. Shooting from the main stand side during the match is generally not allowed.
※Only HB, RH, and official media are allowed to shoot from the main stand side during a match.
- TV crews should shoot from the designated positions outside the goal line (behind the photographers) and touchline. However, shooting is not allowed from positions that obstruct the view of spectators. Photography positions may change depending on the match. Always follow the instructions of the PR staff.
※Shooting at the stand level is generally not allowed. Shooting is permitted only in special cases approved based on the program’s content. If you wish to shoot from this area, please contact the J.LEAGUE Public Relations Department at least five days before the match.
- Moving around during a match, except for halftime, is prohibited. However, this does not apply to official photographers and HB and RH cameras. When shooting with a camera at field level, please understand that umbrellas are generally not permitted for the following reasons:
- Using umbrellas in the camera area may obstruct spectators’ view at some stadiums.
- Strong winds may cause umbrellas to enter the pitch, potentially obstructing the competition or causing injury to players, referees, ball persons, etc.
- Umbrellas may not be used not only during the match but also before the match, during halftime, and after the match. For times other than during the match, temporary use of umbrellas may be allowed at the discretion of the home club PR staff, depending on the stadium’s shape and the weather on the day of the match.
- Even outside of matches, if you use footage taken in controlled areas of a stadium requiring shooting permission (warm-ups, press conferences, Mixed Zone, etc.), you must pay a fee for using the footage.
Field-Level Report Shooting by TV Crews
- Always obtain permission from the home club’s PR staff before shooting a field-level report with an announcer or reporter. Some stadiums and home clubs may not allow this due to the stadium environment or staging reasons.
- Such shooting can only be conducted until the end of the warm-up.
- Reporting from the main stand side is not allowed. Make sure to report from an approved location in stand behind the goal or back stand side with prior permission from the home club.
- Be sure to wear a bib when entering the field level.
- Live broadcasting of report shooting is not allowed (including before and after the match, excluding outside the venue).
- Only HB, RH, and official media are allowed to shoot from the main stand side during a match.
- The coverage area may differ depending on the stadium.
- The guideline for the position of remote camera setup behind the goal is about 1 meter from the goal net towards the spectator seating area. The setup location may be adjusted depending on the position of advertising billboards.
[Field Level Coverage Area]
8. J.League Media Portal (Not Open to the Public)
The J.League Media Portal serves as the point of contact for J.LEAGUE official match coverage applications. It is a portal site that offers access to the press-oriented information dissemination tool J.League Media Channel as well as various property usage applications. If you wish to use the portal, you will need to obtain an account. Please access the following URL to do so:
https://mediapt.j-league.or.jp/
● Obtaining an Account
If you wish to obtain an account, access the URL above and apply for an account from the top page. Accounts should be obtained on an individual basis. For those affiliated with newspapers, magazines, television stations, etc., your company should appoint a person in charge for the company (or for each branch office if there are branches throughout the country). The person in charge should then approve the account registration for written press, photographers, etc., belonging to the company. For details, refer to the user manual distributed separately.