When the J. League top flight resumes on Saturday, teams will play without the threat of relegation for the first time since the launch of the second division in 1999.
With the season turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic, the league has decided to suspend relegation to avoid further disadvantaging clubs who are already struggling.
The four-month-long break prompted by the health crisis, followed by a period of games with no spectators, represents a huge financial hit to clubs. The further loss of revenue and departure of top players following relegation could spell disaster for some.