The 2002 season was the tenth season since the establishment of the J.League. The league began on March 2, 2002 and ended on November 30, 2002. The Suntory Championship was not held, because Júbilo Iwata was winner of both stages. At the end Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Consadole Sapporo were relegated to J2.
Extra time was scratched for J.League Division 2. After regulation time, clubs in J2 now receives 3pts for a win, 1pt for a tie, and 0pts for a loss. (NOTE: J1 still has extra time)
Following sixteen clubs participated in J.League Division 1 during 2002 season. Of these clubs, Kyoto Purple Sanga and Vegalta Sendai were promoted from Division 2.
^AFC Champions League 2003–04 was not held, therefore Kyoto Sanga wes later qualified for the 2004 AFC Champions League. But Sanga was relegated to the Division 2 in 2003, so this spot was withdrawn.