The matches affected are 19 in Division One and Division Two this coming weekend, a full programme on March 19 and 20, and Division Two's 10 games scheduled for March 26 and 27.

The J. League Cup, set to kick-off on Wednesday, has also been postponed.

The 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit the north-east coastline of the country forced the postponement of last weekend's league games and this week's Asian Champions League games involving Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus.

A decision on the status of upcoming national team friendlies against Montenegro and New Zealand will not be made before Wednesday according to the Japan Football Association.

The league's governing body reached the decision after taking into consideration the problems of ongoing frequent aftershocks, possible electricity shortages in certain areas and damage to stadium and club facilities.

"We have to consider the difficulties of securing the safety of our fans at the stadiums," the J. League said in a statement.

Transport systems are down because of damage to stations and parts of tracks. Some lines in the north east of Japan have been cancelled or are operating a reduced service.

The dates of the rescheduled games will be announced at a later date.