The Association was formed in 1974, with the ‘aim to encourage Japanese studies in the UK, in particular by stimulating teaching and research’. With this in mind, the Association’s first Conference was convened in Cambridge at Easter 1975, and following that the BAJS Conference was an annual event.

From 2010, the BAJS Conference has been held on a tri-annual basis, taking turn with the European Association for Japanese Studies and the Joint East Asian Studies Conferences, and holding an annual workshop during the third year.

The Association seeks to recognize exceptional academic contributions through the administration of prizes, to encourage postgraduate students and emerging academics through funding awards, and to assist members through the sponsorship of advanced research projects.

See Funding & Prizes for further information.

The Association admits individuals supporting its aims, and has a membership of over five hundred. It is administered by a Council, which is elected at the BAJS Conference. It is funded by an annual subscription from the membership, and all activities (including the Conference) are self-financing. The Council keeps abreast of opinion on the development of and activity within Japanese Studies in UK and represents members’ opinions to outside bodies.