Based on the two growth themes of J.LEAGUE’s new growth strategy: (1) “60 Clubs will shine in their respective hometowns,” and (2) “the top tier will shine as national (global) content,” the aim is to increase the value of J.LEAGUE by maximising the value of J1 as the top category, and by changing the format of the League Cup competition to create matches between different categories and use these as the catalyst for growth of J2 and J3. From the 2024 season the number of clubs in the J1, J2, and J3 categories will be unified to 20 clubs and the promotion and relegation system for each category will be changed accordingly. It has also been decided that the League Cup competition will be changed to become a knock-out system with all J1, J2, and J3 clubs participating.