The 2002 J.League Division 2 season is the 31st season of the second-tier club football in Japan and the 4th season since the establishment of J2 League.

Starting this season, extra-time rule was abolished and the league adopted the traditional 3-1-0 points system. The twelve clubs competed in the quadruple round-robin format. The top two received promotion to the J.League Division 1. There were no relegation to the third-tier Japan Football League.

Montedio Yamagata

Albirex Niigata

Omiya Ardija

Mito HollyHock

Ventforet Kofu

Shonan Bellmare

Kawasaki Frontale

Yokohama FC

Cerezo Osaka

Avispa Fukuoka

Sagan Tosu

Oita Trinita

Locations of the 2002 J.League 2 teams

Following twelve clubs played in J.League Division 2 during 2002 season. Of these clubs, Cereso Osaka and Avispa Fukuoka were relegated from J1 League last year.

• Montedio Yamagata
• Mito HollyHocks
• Omiya Ardija
• Kawasaki Frontale
• Yokohama F.C.
• Shonan Bellmare
• Ventforet Kofu
• Albirex Niigata
• Cerezo Osaka
• Avispa Fukuoka
• Sagan Tosu
• Oita Trinita

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 are promoted to J1.