Barring a sequence of results too far-fetched for even the J. League, Chiba will play host to no first-division teams next season.
After years of questionable decisions by JEF United and Kashiwa Reysol, it hardly comes as a surprise.
Defeat for both Chiba sides last weekend coupled with wins for the teams immediately above them has left JEF and Reysol finally on the brink of losing their top-flight status. JEF somehow managed to wriggle out of the noose on the final day of last season, but a similar reprieve this time is unthinkable.