Japan’s Emperor’s Cup

Japan’s Emperor’s Cup is a prestigious annual football (soccer) tournament held in Japan. Established in 1921, it features teams from various levels of Japanese football, including professional clubs from the J1, J2, and J3 leagues, as well as amateur and university teams. The competition is named in honor of the Emperor of Japan and is significant in Japanese sports culture. It typically follows a knockout format, culminating in a final match that determines the champion of the tournament. The winner of the Emperor’s Cup not only receives the trophy but often qualifies for the AFC Champions League, which is a prestigious international club competition in Asia.