After a record-setting 2019 season that saw larger crowds than ever attending games from Hokkaido to Okinawa, the J. League is committed to keeping both its fans and players safe.

Following a similar request to reporters covering last weekend¡¯s Super Cup at Saitama Stadium, media attending Friday¡¯s J. League Kickoff Conference were urged to wear masks as they spoke to players and managers about the upcoming first-division season.

¡°We¡¯ve shared the package we used at last week¡¯s Super Cup with all of our clubs,¡± J. League Chairman Mitsuru Murai told The Japan Times.