The Emperor's Cup will get under way Saturday across the nation with a total of 80 teams, including all J. League clubs and qualifiers from each prefecture, battling for the honor of being the nation's No. 1 soccer team.
The J. League first division teams will be idle in the first two rounds, while second division teams will start their campaign from the first round.
In Saturday's first round, J1-bound Consadole Sapporo and Urawa Reds will take on Fortuna FC, a qualifier from Gunma Prefecture, and Saitama FC, a qualifier from Saitama Prefecutre, respectively. JFL champion Yokohama FC will meet Ehime Prefecture qualifier Ehime FC.
Defending champion Nagoya Grampus Eight has been grouped in the top half of the draw, which looks tougher than the bottom, as it features Jubilo Iwata, Gamba Osaka, Kashiwa Reysol, Yokohama F. Marinos and Kashima Antlers.
The second round will be held on Dec. 3, the third round on Dec. 10 (but teams involved in the J. League Championship final will play Dec. 13), with the fourth round slated for Dec. 17.
The quarterfinals will take place Dec. 23 and the semifinals on Dec. 29. The final will be staged Jan. 1 at Tokyo's National Stadium.