ABOUT WE

About WE LEAGUE
Japan Women’s Empowerment Professional Football League (WE LEAGUE) is the top women’s football league in Japan, with the organisational mission is to promote an inclusive society, filled with diverse dreams and ways of living, and where individuals can shine, through the power of women’s football and sports. The WE LEAGUE became the first fully-professional women’s football league in the country, when it was launched in September 2021 with its 11 founding football clubs.
Following from the success of the 2011 FIFA Women's World CupTM, the WE LEAGUE intends to pave paths for young girls who aspire to become professional football players, and contribute to the growth of women’s football in Japan.
Mission
WE LEAGUE strives to promote an inclusive society, filled with diverse dreams and ways of living, and where individuals can shine, through the power of women’s football and sports.
Vision

To host the best women’s football in the world.

  • Hosting the world’s top players and maintaining the highest level of competition.
  • Producing the world’s top players and staff.
  • Raising the quality of women’s football in Japan through grassroots development.
  • Increasing access for girls and women to be able to enjoy football in Japan.

To be the most active women’s community in the world

  • Encouraging women to be the starting point and the driving force for positive change throughout society.
  • Becoming a platform that brings together individuals, organisations and companies, that exist beyond the world of sports.

To be the most valuable league in the world.

  • Establishing a strong foundation that would support the development of both the physical (competition) and social-cooperate elements of the organisational mission.
  • Proving the profitability of professional women’s football.
  • Becoming a societal role model in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion at the workplace and beyond.
Chairperson of the Japan Women’s Empowerment Professional Football League

Nonomura Yoshikazu

LEAGUE STRUCTURE

WE LEAGUE is Japan's first fully-professional women's football league, launched in September 2021.

Cause of WE LEAGUE　

1. Be a driving force for gender-equity in Japan
2. Establish roots for “Professional Women’s Sports” in Japan
3. Contribute to the growth of women’s football in Japan
4. Reclaim the world championship for Nadeshiko Japan

Position of WE LEAGUE

WE LEAGUE is placed above the existing Nadeshiko League (Amateur top league).

Structure of WE LEAGUE

In the inaugural season, 11 teams are admitted to the WE LEAGUE. The League can invite clubs, but these clubs will not be relegated for several years.

2021-22 SEASON
WE LEAGUE PROFILE BOOK (PDF)

PARTNERS