Money Times: What is the “Climate Action Month” that the J.League is taking up as it moves to an autumn-spring format? [2025]
As June begins, some areas have been experiencing hot weather, with some hitting midsummer temperatures. As the rainy season continues, soccer fans will likely need to wear rain gear more often when watching games at the stadium. In the midst of this, the Meiji Yasuda J.League has named June “Climate Action Month” and is taking on various initiatives.
What exactly is “climate action,” a term that is not very familiar to many people? Here, we take a closer look at the J.League’s “Climate Action Month” and introduce the efforts of each club.
What is Climate Action Month?
The J.League’s “Climate Action Month” is an opportunity to take an interest in environmental issues by utilizing the social influence of sports through activities related to climate change. Since June has been designated as Environment Month by the Ministry of the Environment, each club in the J.League is also taking various measures against climate change under the slogan “A Good Pass for the Future Earth.”
As part of these efforts, the club has also decided to participate in the international initiative “Sport Positive League.” In Europe, the English Premier League and other leagues are already participating, and this will be the first time that the league has participated in Asia.
They are also holding an environmental event called “Sustaina Cup 2025,” in which supporters of all 60 clubs from J1 to J3 will participate. This is a unique initiative in which supporters can earn points by answering climate-related quizzes and posting photos of their own bottles on a dedicated app, and these points will go towards supporting the activities of the clubs they support.
How climate change impacts football
Environmental problems caused by climate change are likely to affect the world of soccer. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of matches canceled or suspended due to heavy rain. According to the J.League, the number of matches canceled due to typhoons and heavy rain is about four times higher than it was 10 years ago, and holding alternative matches is a huge burden not only on players and related parties but also on supporters.
In addition, most of the J.League matches held from June to September are held at night, but in the Japan Football League (JFL) and regional leagues, many matches are held during the day. Furthermore, for youth and younger players, except for some strong schools and famous club teams, night game facilities are usually not available at training grounds.
The J.League has already decided to introduce an autumn-spring system, but it goes without saying that in the JFL, regional leagues, and youth development environments, the risk of heatstroke increases if matches are played in the scorching heat of summer. In such extreme conditions, there are concerns that players’ performance may decline. Due to the extreme heat of the past few years, drinking time is sometimes set aside during matches in recent years. In an environment where activities cannot be carried out after sunset due to disparities in stadium facilities and training fields, it is conceivable that many young people will abandon the sport of soccer altogether.
From this perspective, it can be said that there is an urgent need to ensure the sustainability of the competitive environment at the amateur level by taking measures against climate change.
Club Activities
Each club is taking on various initiatives during Climate Action Month, including unique events in which supporters can participate. Kashiwa Reysol is working with Food Bank Chiba to hold a food drive. They are working to reduce food waste by collecting unopened food that is left over for various reasons and delivering it to people in need. Azul Claro Numazu
also held the Full-Force Climate Action! Go by Bus Campaign at their home game on June 8th. By using the bus when watching the game at the stadium, they are contributing to reducing CO2 emissions.
Ventforet Kofu, in cooperation with sponsoring companies, is calling on visitors to their home games to bring recyclable waste from home, which is then collected at a special booth. Shonan Bellmare is participating in the “LEADS TO THE OCEAN – A Project Leading to the Sea”. After home games, they pick up trash around the stadium together with fans and supporters. This project is co-sponsored by the Nippon Foundation and the NPO Umi Sakura, and in addition to Shonan, a total of 18 J.League clubs are participating, including Kawasaki Frontale, Kataller Toyama, JEF United Chiba, and Montedio Yamagata.
None of the initiatives introduced here are particularly difficult, and are actions that we can start taking in our own neighborhoods. June is “Climate Action Month,” and various events aimed at environmental issues are being planned at stadiums.
The J.League aims to reduce the league’s overall CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030. What initiatives is your favorite club taking? Take this opportunity to think about the impact of climate change and environmental issues on soccer and consider what you can do to help.
