J.LEAGUE’s Actions on Climate Change

In recent years, we have reached a point where we must seriously consider the risks that climate change poses to football itself—particularly regarding our objectives of “safe and secure operations” and “hosting matches where we can welcome spectators with peace of mind.” For example, the number of matches cancelled due to extreme weather, such as heavy rain and typhoons, has increased approximately fivefold since 2018 (as of December 2024). Furthermore, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident and commonplace in the hometowns where J.Clubs are based. At a time when the very environment and foundation of sports are under threat, J.LEAGUE launched its “J.LEAGUE Climate Action” initiative in 2023 to protect children’s dreams of “becoming football players!” and “enjoying outdoor sports!” as well as their daily activities.

J.LEAGUE has implemented community-based hometown activities across all 60 clubs. As J.LEAGUE and J.Clubs have developed alongside their communities, they now function as hubs, collaborating with fans, supporters, local governments, and local businesses to maintain an environment where people can continue to enjoy sport as a regular part of life.

Initiatives in 2024

Roadmap Development

In 2024, J.LEAGUE developed a roadmap outlining its vision for the next 5 to 10 years. As members of society, when J.LEAGUE and J.Clubs communicate their climate action initiatives, awareness shifts. As awareness shifts, behaviour naturally follows, and we aim to collaborate with various stakeholders to establish a convenient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable social system by 2030. This year, we have concentrated on understanding and conveying why J.LEAGUE is undertaking climate action and how football relates to climate change.

Sustainability Conference to Learn Leading Sustainability Management from the Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspur

In July 2024, J.LEAGUE and The Nippon Foundation HEROs Project co-hosted a sustainability conference, featuring representatives from Tottenham Hotspur, who visited Japan for a MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE WORLD CHALLENGE 2024 powered by docomo match against Vissel Kobe.
The conference, attended by around 200 participants, mainly from businesses and sports organisations, was held to gain insights into sports sustainability management from Tottenham, recognised as England’s foremost club in sustainability. Tottenham has been ranked first in the Premier League for four consecutive years in the Sport Positive Leagues ranking, which assesses environmental sustainability across football leagues.

J.LEAGUE × Shinji ONO Smile Football Tour for a Sustainable Future supported by MEIJI YASUDA

“J.LEAGUE × Shinji ONO Smile Football Tour for a Sustainable Future supported by MEIJI YASUDA,” which commenced in 2024, includes sustainability workshops for primary school children following football clinics led by Shinji ONO, a Co-opted Member of the J.LEAGUE’s Executive Committee. These sessions convey the significance of climate action in the context of ongoing global warming issues.