# Kantoh Collegiate American Football Association

The Kantoh Collegiate American Football Association is an American college football league made up of colleges and universities in the Kanto region of Japan.

## Overview

The Kanto League is the main university football league in eastern Japan. The league is divided into six divisions.
Under the previous format, the league winners played against teams from western Japan in the Koshien Bowl.
In 2024, the new format allows the top three schools to compete in the Koshien Bowl Tournament.
Other participating schools in the tournament are the top three schools from the Kansai Collegiate American Football League Division 1, and the winners of each league from Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Chugoku-Shikoku.

## Member schools
### Division 1

Prior to the 2014 season, the Kantoh league had two conferences. The winners of each conference would then play in the Azuma Bowl, to determine league champion. Starting in 2014, the league switched to a two division format, the Top 8 and Big 8. With the new format, there would be no championship game and the Top 8 conference would be the highest level of play, making the winner of that division the overall conference champion.

#### Top 8

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname | Team Founded | Colors |
| Hosei University | 法政大学 | Chiyoda, Tokyo | 1880 | Private | 28,000 | Orange | 1935 | Blue and Orange |
| Waseda University | 早稲田大学 | Shinjuku, Tokyo | 1882 | Private | 44,295 | Big Bears | 1934 | Maroon and White |
| Keio University | 慶應義塾大学 | Minato, Tokyo | 1858 | Private | 33,825 | Unicorns | 1935 | Red and Blue |
| Rikkyo University | 立教大学 | Toshima, Tokyo | 1874 | Private | 19,341 | Rushers | 1934 | Purple and White |
| University of Tokyo | 東京大学 | Tokyo | 1877 | National | 28,697 | Warriors | 1957 | Blue |
| Meiji University | 明治大学 | Tokyo | 1881 | Private | 33,000 | Griffins | 1934 | Gold, Navy, and Yellow |
| J. F. Oberlin University | 桜美林大学 | Machida, Tokyo | 1921 | Private | | Three Nails Crowns | 1968 | Maroon and Gold |
| Chuo University | 中央大学 | Hachiōji, Tokyo | 1885 | Private | 25,474 | Racoons | 1967 | Blue |

#### Big 8

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname | Team Founded | Colors |
| Komazawa University | 駒澤大學 | Setagaya, Tokyo | 1592 | Private | 16,000 | Blue Tide | 1972 | |
| Aoyama Gakuin University | 青山学院大学 | Shibuya, Tokyo | 1874 | Private | 19,993 | Lightning | | Green and White |
| Nippon Sport Science University | 日本体育大学 | Setagaya, Tokyo | 1893 | Private | | Triumphant Lion | | |
| Kokushikan University | 国士舘大学 | Setagaya, Tokyo | 1917 | Private | | Rhinoceros | | |
| Yokohama National University | 横浜国立大学 | Yokohama, Kanagawa | 1876 | National | 7,471 | Mastiffs | 1971 | Blue and Orange |
| Teikyo University | 帝京大学 | Itabashi, Tokyo | 1931 | Private | 21,000 | Gladiator | | |
| Meiji Gakuin University | 明治学院大学 | Yokohama, Kanagawa | 1863 | Private | | Saints | | Navy and Yellow |
| Tokai University | 東海大学 | Hiratsuka, Kanagawa | 1942 | Private | 26,120 | Tritons | 1965 | Blue and Silver |

### Division 2
#### Block A

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname | Team Founded | Colors |
| Seikei University | 成蹊大学 | Musashino, Tokyo | 1906 | Private | | Zelkovas | | |
| Kanagawa University | 神奈川大学 | Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa | 1929 | Private | 18,445 | Atoms | 1974 | White, Blue |
| Science Tokyo (former: Tokyo Tech) | 東京科学大学 (旧：東京工業大学） | Meguro, Tokyo | 2024 (Tokyo Tech: 1881) | National | 4,940 | Buffaloes | 1987 | |
| National Defense Academy | 防衛大学校 | Yokosuka, Kanagawa | 1953 | Public | | Cadets | 1954 | |
| International Christian University | 国際基督教大学 | Mitaka, Tokyo | 1949 | Private (Christian) | 3,171 | Apostles | 1963 | Green |
| University of Electro-Communications | 電気通信大学 | Chōfu, Tokyo | 1918 | National | 5,300 | Crashers | | |
| Saitama University | 埼玉大学 | Saitama, Saitama | 1873 | National | 8400 | Primrose | | |
| Tokyo Gakugei University | 東京学芸大学 | Koganei, Tokyo | 1873 | National | 5,081 | Snails | | |

#### Block B

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname | Team Founded | Colors |
| Senshu University | 専修大学 | Chiyoda, Tokyo | 1880 | Private | 20,176 | Green Machine | 1963 | Green |
| Hitotsubashi University | 一橋大学 | Kunitachi, Tokyo | 1876 | National | 4,500 | Crimson | 1967 | Crimson |
| University of Tsukuba | 筑波大学 | Tsukuba, Ibaraki | 1872 | National | | Excaliburs | | Light Blue |
| Shibaura Tech | 芝浦工業大学 | Koto, Tokyo | 1927 | Private | 8,299 | Fighting Engineers | | Green |
| Kanto Gakuin University | 関東学院大学 | Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa | 1884 | Private | 12,307 | Hurricanes | 1964 | |
| Sophia University | 上智大学 | Chiyoda, Tokyo | 1913 | Private | 10,528 | Golden Eagles | 1969 | |
| Tokyo A&T | 東京農工大学 | Fuchū, Tokyo | 1949 | National | 5,952 | Blasters | | |
| Kogakuin University | 工学院大学 | Shinjuku, Tokyo | 1887 | Private | | Crash Machines | 1976 | |

### Division 3
#### A Block

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname |
| Seijo University | 成城大学 | Setagaya, Tokyo | 1950 | Private | | Orange Beams |
| Chiba University | 千葉大学 | Chiba, Chiba | 1949 | National | 14,528 | Poseidon |
| Ryutsu Keizai University | 流通経済大学 | Ryūgasaki, Ibaraki | 1967 | Private | | Dragons |
| Dokkyo University | 獨協大学 | Sōka, Saitama | 1883 | Private | 9,050 | Green Monsters |
| Rissho University | 立正大学 | Shinagawa, Tokyo | 1872 | Private | 10,915 | Bulldogs |
| Sōka University | 創価大学 | Hachiōji, Tokyo | 1971 | Private | 8,143 | Blue Lions |
| Daito Bunka University | 大東文化大学 | Itabashi, Tokyo | 1923 | Private | | Wild Boars |
| University of Yamanashi | 山梨大学 | Kōfu/Tamaho, Yamanashi | 2002 | National | 4,921 | Wyverns |

#### B Block

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname | Colors |
| Takushoku University | 拓殖大学 | Bunkyo, Tokyo | 1900 | Private | | Rattlesnakes | Orange and Black |
| Tokyo University of Science | 東京理科大学 | Shinjuku, Tokyo | 1881 | Private | 20,187 | Rascals | |
| Asia University of Japan | 亜細亜大学 | Musashino, Tokyo | 1941 | Private | 7,006 | Angels | |
| Chiba University of Commerce | 千葉商科大学 | Ichikawa, Chiba | 1950 | Private | | Lycaonpictus | |
| Niigata University | 新潟大学 | Niigata, Niigata | 1870 | National | 12,729 | Tigers | |
| Yokohama City University | 横浜市立大学 | Yokohama, Kanagawa | 1882 | Public | 4,855 | Fighting Seagulls | |
| Hakuoh University | 白鴎大学 | Oyama, Tochigi | 1986 | Private | 4,907 | Rascals | |
| Takasaki City University of Economics | 高崎経済大学 | Takasaki, Gunma | 1952 | Public | 4,023 | Bandits | |

#### C Block

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Nickname | Colors |
| Toyo University | 東洋大学 | Bunkyo, Tokyo | 1887 | Private | Vikings | |
| Musashi University | 武蔵大学 | Nerima, Tokyo | 1922 | Private | Pheasants | |
| Tokyo Keizai University | 東京経済大学 | Kokubunji, Tokyo | 1900 | Private | Falcons | |
| Tokyo City University | 東京都市大学 | Setagaya, Tokyo | 1949 | Private | Helios | |
| Tokyo University of Agriculture | 東京農業大学 | Setagaya, Tokyo | 1891 | Private | Aggies | Green |
| Tokyo University of Technology | 東京工科大学 | Hachioji, Tokyo | 1947 | Private | Cerberus | |
| Tamagawa University | 玉川大学 | Machida, Tokyo | 1929 | Private | Stallions | |

#### D Block

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname | Colors |
| Gakushuin University | 学習院大学 | Toshima, Tokyo | 1847 | Private | 8,000 | Generals | Dark Blue and Pink |
| Tokyo International University | 東京国際大学 | Kawagoe, Saitama | 1965 | Private | | Dolphins | |
| Tokyo University of Foreign Studies | 東京外国語大学 | Fuchū, Tokyo | 1873 | National | 4,342 | Phantoms | |
| Tokyo Metropolitan University | 東京都立大学 | Hachiōji, Tokyo | 1949 | Public | 8,538 | Scrappers | |
| Takachiho University | 高千穂大学 | Suginami, Tokyo | 1903 | Private | | Eagles | |
| Meisei University | 明星大学 | Hino, Tokyo | 1951 | Private | | Silver Knights | |
| Bunkyo University | 文教大学 | Shinagawa, Tokyo | 1927 | Private | 8,276 | Odin | |

### Medical and Dental Division

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname |
| University of Tokyo School of Medicine | 東京大学医学部 | Tokyo | | National | | Scorpions |
| Dokkyo Medical University | 獨協医科大学 | Mibu, Tochigi | 1973 | Private | 631 | Dum Dums |
| Nihon University School of Medicine, School of Dental, and School of Dental in Matsudo | 日本大学医学部・歯学部・松戸歯学部 | Chiyoda, Tokyo | | Private | | Boars |
| Keio University School of Medicine | 慶應義塾大学医学部 | Minato, Tokyo | | Private | | Unicorns |
| Jikei University School of Medicine | 東京慈恵会医科大学 | Minato, Tokyo | | Private | | Crickets |
| Saitama Medical University | 埼玉医科大学 | Moroyama, Saitama | 1892 | Private | | Mulberry |
| Showa University | 昭和大学 | Tokyo | 1928 | Private | | Maddogs |

### 7-a-side American football Division
#### A Block

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname | Colors |
| Surugadai University | 駿河台大学 | Hanno, Saitama | 1987 | Private | | Cougars | |
| Kyorin University | 杏林大学 | Tokyo | 1970 | Private | | Cavaliers | |

#### B Block

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Nickname |
| The Nippon Dental University | 日本歯科大学 | Chiyodaku, Tokyo | 1907 | Private | Bombers |
| Meikai University Dental school | 明海大学歯学部 | Urayasu, Chiba | 1970 | Private | Crusaders |
| Tokyo Medical University | 東京医科大学 | Minato, Tokyo | 1916 | Private | Meribibazu |

#### Not participating in league match

| Institution | 日本語 | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Nickname |
| Nippon Tech | 日本工業大学 | Miyashiro, Saitama | 1907 | Private | | River Horse |
| Science Tokyo (former: Tokyo Medical and Dental University) | 東京科学大学 (旧：東京医科歯科大学) | Bunkyō, Tokyo | 2024 (1928) | National | 3,044 | Stones |
| St. Marianna University School of Medicine | 聖マリアンナ医科大学 | Kawasaki, Kanagawa | 1971 | Private | | Roadrunners |
| Toho University School of Medicine | 東邦大学医学部 | Ota, Tokyo | 1925 | Private | | |
| Tsurumi University School of Dental | 鶴見大学歯学部 | Yokohama, Kanagawa | 1953 | Private | | |

## Past Champions

* 1947 - Meiji
* 1948 - Keio
* 1949 - Keio
* 1950 - Keio
* 1951 - Rikkyo
* 1952 - Rikkyo
* 1953 - Rikkyo
* 1954 - Rikkyo
* 1955 - Nihon
* 1956 - Nihon
* 1957 - Nihon
* 1958 - Nihon
* 1959 - Nihon
* 1960 - Rikkyo
* 1961 - Nihon
* 1962 - Nihon
* 1963 - Nihon
* 1964 - Nihon
* 1965 - Rikkyo
* 1966 - Nihon
* 1967 - Nihon
* 1968 - Meiji
* 1969 - Nihon
* 1970 - Nihon
* 1971 - Nihon
* 1972 - Hosei
* 1973 - Nihon
* 1974 - Nihon
* 1975 - Meiji
* 1976 - Meiji
* 1977 - Nihon
* 1978 - Nihon
* 1979 - Nihon
* 1980 - Nihon
* 1981 - Nihon
* 1982 - Nihon
* 1983 - Nihon
* 1984 - Nihon
* 1985 - Meiji
* 1986 - Nihon
* 1987 - Nihon
* 1988 - Nihon
* 1989 - Nihon
* 1990 - Nihon
* 1991 - Senshu
* 1992 - Hosei
* 1993 - Nippon Sport Science
* 1994 - Hosei
* 1995 - Hosei
* 1996 - Hosei
* 1997 - Hosei
* 1998 - Hosei
* 1999 - Hosei
* 2000 - Hosei
* 2001 - Hosei
* 2002 - Waseda
* 2003 - Hosei
* 2004 - Hosei
* 2005 - Hosei
* 2006 - Hosei
* 2007 - Nihon
* 2008 - Hosei
* 2009 - Hosei
* 2010 - Waseda
* 2011 - Nihon
* 2012 - Hosei
* 2013 - Nihon
* 2014 - Nihon
* 2015 - Waseda
* 2016 - Waseda
* 2017 - Nihon
* 2018 - Waseda
* 2019 - Waseda
* 2020 - Nihon
* 2021 - Hosei
* 2022 - Waseda
* 2023 - Hosei
* 2024 - Hosei

## Number of Championships

| Institution | Number of Chanpionships |
| Nihon University | 35 |
| Hosei University | 20 |
| Waseda University | 7 |
| Rikkyo University | 6 |
| Meiji University | 5 |
| Keio University | 3 |
| Senshu University | 1 |
| Nippon Sport Science University | 1 |