the organisation was founded in 1921 as the , and became affiliated with fifa in 1921. in 1945, the name of the organisation was changed to the ; its japanese name was changed to the current title in 1975. this reflected common use of the word "sakkā" (サッカー), derived from "soccer", rather than the older japanese word "shūkyū" (蹴球; literally "kick-ball"). the word "sakkā" gained popularity during the post-world war ii occupation of japan by the allied powers. the association generally translates its name to "japan football association" in english, though "japan soccer association" is also used.