The 2004 J. League Division 2 season is the 33rd season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 6th season since the establishment of J2 League.
In this season, twelve clubs competed in the quadruple round-robin format. Starting this season, promotion slots increased to 2.5 slots. The top two received automatic promotion and the third-placed finisher advanced to the Pro/Rele Series for the promotion. There were no relegation to the third-tier Japan Football League.
Following twelve clubs played in J. League Division 2 during 2004 season. Of these clubs, Vegalta Sendai and Kyoto Purple Sanga relegated from Division 1 last year.
Consadole Sapporo
Vegalta Sendai
Montedio Yamagata
Mito HollyHocks
Omiya Ardija
Kawasaki Frontale
Yokohama F.C.
Shonan Bellmare
Ventforet Kofu
Kyoto Purple Sanga
Avispa Fukuoka
Sagan Tosu
League format
Twelve clubs will play in quadruple round-robin format, a total of 44 games each. A club receives 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. The clubs are ranked by points, and tie breakers are, in the following order:
Goal differential
Goals scored
Head-to-head results
A draw would be conducted, if necessary. However, if two clubs are tied at the first place, both clubs will be declared as the champions. The top two clubs will be promoted to J1, while the 3rd placed club plays a two-legged Promotion/relegation series.
Updated to match(es) played on November 27, 2004. Source: J. League Division 2 Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored. (C) Champions; (P) Promoted