01

League position and verified status

Asia League Ice Hockey is presented here as Japan's professional club route, separate from the Japan Ice Hockey Federation's own All Japan Championship, university leagues and high-school U18 tournaments. The last fully published season, 2025/26, had six clubs: five from Japan and HL Anyang from South Korea. Recheck the 2026/27 participants and format before acting — a small, multinational league can change field year to year.

02

What clubs assess

Clubs assess previous league, skating, decision speed, physical readiness, play away from the puck, role, special teams, current video and verifiable statistics — and clarify whether the offer is a professional contract, an education-based route or a tryout, since the ladder is not one open system.

03

International players and registration

A single public import limit across Japanese competitions cannot be confirmed. Ask the club for the current rule and written confirmation that your passport, age and status are eligible for registration.

04

Entertainer visa and Certificate of Eligibility

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists professional sportspersons under the possible working status Entertainer. The standard document list includes a passport, application, photograph and Certificate of Eligibility (COE); additional documents may be required. An application without a COE is possible but can take longer and need more evidence — a COE makes processing smoother but does not guarantee visa issuance. The receiving club, Immigration Services Agency or Japanese consulate must confirm the correct status.

05

Contract, pay and housing

There is no single official salary table. Put pay, housing, equipment, insurance, termination, and who pays for the visa, COE and flights in writing, with a bilingual interpretation of the agreement confirmed. See the Japan country guide for the university/high-school Student-status route if education is part of the plan.

06

IIHF transfer and registration

A move from another national federation requires an IIHF international transfer. The receiving team must confirm registration deadlines and eligibility for the exact competition; sporting eligibility does not replace lawful residence or work status.

07

Player application package

Prepare a valid passport and consulate-standard photographs, birth year, position, shot, height and weight, current team and verified statistics, Elite Prospects or federation profile, role-based highlights and a recent full game, plus contract status and citizenship.

08

Official sources and FAQ

Editorial review: 8 August 2026. Re-check the current club field, registration rules and visa requirements before acting.

How many clubs play in Asia League Ice Hockey?

The last fully published season, 2025/26, had six clubs: five from Japan and HL Anyang from South Korea. Check the current season before assuming the same field.

What visa status applies to a professional import?

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists professional sportspersons under the possible Entertainer status. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) usually makes processing smoother but does not guarantee visa issuance.

Is an IIHF international transfer required?

Yes, when the player moves from a club or federation in another country.

09

Get a league assessment

Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether the level is realistic without promising a contract.

Get assessed for Japan