The league itself enjoyed a resurgence in fan interest, both in the J1 and J2 divisions. Part of this was a spill-over effect from the World Cup, as many people who had not attended J.League matches previously decided to take in a J.League match to see what all the excitement was about. But this was only a part of the reason. There were also signs that the J.League was gaining popularity in its own right. Devoted fans attend matches to see their favourite J.League teams, quite apart from any interest they might have in the national team. As a result, the league enjoyed attendance levels that have not been seen since the boom years of 1994 or 95.

During the first stage, as would be the case throughout the season, the big story was the emergence of young players and new clubs that had not been contenders in the past. In addition to traditional powers like Jubilo Iwata and Yokohama Marinos, teams like Gamba Osaka, Nagoya Grampus, and even Kyoto Purple Sanga battled at the top of the table for much of the stage.

The Marinos, led by playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura and one of the most formidable defences in the league, were quick out of the gate and seemed to be headed for a first-stage victory when the League broke for two months, to accomodate preparations for the World Cup. Kyoto Purple Sanga, led by coach Gert Engels and energized by the play of a number of exciting and promising youngsters such as Daisuke Matsui and Park Ji-Sung, were close behind, as were traditional powers Jubilo and Kashima Antlers.

But following the World Cup, Nakamura was whisked away to Serie A by Reggina, leaving the Marinos without a real playmaker at the center of their offence. In the final five matches of the season, Yokohama went into a tailspin, tumbling out of the top slot and eventually finishing second to the steady consistency of a veteran Jubilo Iwata team.

The second stage was somewhat anticlimactic. Once again, the theme of the year seemed to be the emergence of young players at teams like Purple Sanga, FC Tokyo, Tokyo Verdy and Urawa Reds. However, after coming back from a deficit to capture the first stage, Jubilo Iwata seemed to be on a mission to secure the second stage crown as well. By winning both stages, Jubilo could avoid the possibility of another heartbreaking loss in the championship playoff series, as happened to them in 2001.

With Naohiro Takahara enjoying the most spectacular run of form in his entire career, Jubilo stormed through the second stage, pulled away from the pack, and effectively wrapped up the J.League championship with several matches to spare. Takahara captured the golden boot with an amazing 26 goals in 29 appearances.

Scoring Leaders

J.League Awards, 2002