Japan Rugby Top League Teams for 2018-2019
The following 16 teams are confirmed to participate in the Japan Rugby Top League 2018-2019 competition.
| Suntory Sungoliath |
| Panasonic Wild Knights |
| Yamaha Jubilo |
| Toyota Verblitz |
| Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers |
| Toshiba Brave Lupus |
| Ricoh Black Rams |
| NEC Green Rockets |
| NTT Communications Shining Arcs |
| Canon Eagles |
| Kubota Spears |
| Toyota Industries Shuttles |
| Munakata Sanix Blues |
| Coca-Cola Red Sparks |
| Honda Heat |
| Hino Red Dolphins |
Kintetsu Liners automatically relegated to Japan Rugby Top Challenge League for 2018-2019 as last placed team.
Honda Heat promoted from Japan Rugby Top Challenge League to Top League for 2018-2019 as top placed team.
Munakata Sanix Blues beat Kyuden Voltex 40-21 in their promotion and relegation play-off to keep their place in Top League.
Coca-Cola Red Sparks drew with Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars 27-all in their promotion and relegation play-off to keep their place in Top League.
Hino Red Dolphins beat NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes 20-17 in their promotion and relegation play-off to gain a place in Top League for the very first time.
NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes relegated to Japan Rugby Top Challenge League for 2018-2019.