Reigning champions Yokohama F. Marinos find themselves at the top of the standings at the halfway point, while there looks like being a strong title challenge from Vissel Kobe who have been in the driver’s seat for much of the season and can still go top if they win their game in hand.
As the Japanese top flight returns to action this week, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the 2023 J1 League has panned out over the last four months and highlights what to look out for in the remainder of a thrilling season in Japan.
Here's how the J1 table looks at the midway point of the season.
— J.LEAGUE Official (English) (@J_League_En) June 11, 2023
Any surprises? 👀#J30 #JLeague #PlayedInJapanWatchedByTheWorld pic.twitter.com/MbTlIgh4kv

![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] K League 1: Mid-Season Review](https://image.eaff.com/index/7047.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] Klinsmann unperturbed by slow beginning](https://image.eaff.com/index/7046.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA]【Match Report】SAMURAI BLUE score four goals in win over Peru at the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2023](https://image.eaff.com/index/7045.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] Sharp Japan make Moriyama happy](https://image.eaff.com/index/7044.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA]【Match Report】 U-17 Japan National Team score four goals en route to victory over Vietnam - AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023](https://image.eaff.com/index/7043.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] Team Klinsmann held to 1-1 draw with El Salvador](https://image.eaff.com/index/7042.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINESE TAIPEI FA] Wins for Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Myanmar, Jordan](https://image.eaff.com/index/7041.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] Byun: Korea Republic determined to end title drought](https://image.eaff.com/index/7040.jpg)

![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] Group C: China PR 3-5 Australia](https://image.eaff.com/index/7033.jpg)