Shimizu S-Pulse and Shonan Bellmare survived relegation scares on Matchweek 38 while Tokushima Vortis’ loss on the final day of the season condemned them to the MEIJI YASUDA J2 LEAGUE in 2022.

Vortis entered the final weekend in the last remaining relegation spot, but held hopes of passing either Shonan Bellmare or Shimizu S-Pulse. Level on points with Bellmare, and trailing S-Pulse by three, Vortis entered Saturday's matches knowing they needed at least a draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima to have a chance of staying up.

Sanfrecce dealt them an early blow, though, scoring after nine minutes. Worse, they doubled their lead just two minutes later and by halftime it was 3-0. Vortis tried to fight back with goals by Takeru Kishimoto and Kazunari Ichimi after the break, but it was not enough and they lost, 4-2, to clinch their relegation.

While Vortis were struggling, S-Pulse were rolling to a 2-1 win over Cerezo Osaka to clinch their spot in the top flight for next season. Shonan were not as convincing, failing to score in a 0-0 draw against Gamba Osaka. That was enough to stay up because of Vortis’ loss, but had the men from Tokushima come back to win, Bellmare would be the team going down.

Vortis were just promoted to J1 this season, and their immediate relegation is a repeat of 2014, the only other season they have spent in the top flight. It was a difficult campaign for the first-division returnees, but they had some bright moments and nearly stayed up. They figure to be a top contender in J2 next season and we could see them back in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE come 2023.