Nissan won a second title, spurred by increasing links between the team, its parent company and their hometown, Yokohama. Fujita Industries and Hitachi were relegated.
Fallen giant Mitsubishi and struggler Toyota Motors returned to the top flight. Mazda Auto Hiroshima, who had been put as an A-squad to rival its parent company, and Teijin went back to their regional leagues (Chugoku and Shikoku, respectively).