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Updated to match(es) played on December 3, 2011. Source: J. League Division 1 Rules for classification: 1st points; 2nd goal differential; 3rd goals scored; 4th head-to-head results; 5th disciplinary points; 6th draw. The winners of the 2011 Emperor's Cup, FC Tokyo, which played in the 2011 J.League Division 2, also qualified for the group stage of the 2012 AFC Champions League. If two clubs are tied for first place, both clubs will be declared champions. (C) Champions; (R) Relegated
Updated to match(es) played on December 3, 2011. Source: J.League Division 2 Rules for classification: 1st points; 2nd goal differential; 3rd goals scored; 4th head-to-head results; 5th disciplinary points; 6th draw. If two clubs are tied for first place, both clubs will be declared champions. (C) Champions; (P) Promoted Notes:
Updated to match(es) played on 11 December 2011. Source: Japan Football League Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored. (C) Champions; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^Must hold J. League Associate Membership, pass a final inspection by J. League and finish no less than in fourth place to be promoted. V-Varen Nagasaki, though being an associate members, have announced that their stadium is not matching the J. League standards so they are not eligible for the promotion until the completion of necessary renovations. The target date is set for 2013 season.[1] Because the maximum capacity of Division 2 set by J. League is 22 teams, no more than two clubs can be promoted.
^ abFC Ryukyu and Honda Lock occupied top 2 places at the end of the 17th round (11th week) and were seeded for 2011 Emperor's Cup.[2] These clubs were automatically qualified for the tournament, while each of other JFL clubs had to go through the prefectural qualifier.
^Arte Takasaki decided to withdraw from JFL and fold the club after the end of the season, when clubs promoted from regional leagues were already determined. JFL decided that the next season will be contested by 17 clubs (i.e. without supplying an additional club from a regional league).[3]
^JEF Reserves had submitted a request of withdrawal from the league at the end of the season regardless of team's performance. It was approved by league board on 12 September.[4]