September 29, 2025
Important Notice
Policy Regarding the Online Transition of “Journal of African Studies”
The Board of Directors of the Japan Association for African Studies (here after, the Board) is currently working toward transitioning “Journal of African Studies” (the Journal) to an online-only format (printed copies will be available on demand). We hereby announce the decisions made at the Board meeting held on September 22.
【Background】
As announced via the mailing list in January this year, the Board has been reviewing finances of the Association. As part of this effort, we conducted a member survey in April regarding the transition of the Journal to online publication. We received responses from 267 members. Approximately 80% (215 members) expressed the opinion that switching to online publication of the Journal was preferable to raising membership fees. However, a significant number of members (34 members) still prefer to receive the print version even with membership fee increase. Based on these results, the Board has decided on the following policy.
【Board Policy】
(1) The Journal will be published online.
(2) Print publication of the Journal will continue on demand.
(3) The additional fee for members receiving the print version on demand will be set at ¥4,000 for the time being. Regular membership fees will remain unchanged.
(4) Amend the relevant articles of the Association.
(5) The above policies will be hand over to the next Board. If approved at the May 2026 Board meeting, Council meeting, and General Assembly, their implementation will begin in fiscal year 2027 (starting with the issue published in May 2027).
【Basis for On-Demand Costs】
Approximately 50 copies of the printed version are anticipated, including copies donated to libraries and members requesting on-demand printing. The Dogura Office estimates a cost of approximately ¥100,000 for 20 copies (100 pages), with printing costs remaining largely unchanged even with increased quantities. Thus, printing 50 copies would approximately cost ¥2,000 per copy, totaling ¥4,000 per year. The actual cost may vary depending on the volume’s page count and the number of members requesting it, but we will proceed with this cost estimate for a time being. If fewer than 50 members request copies, the Society will cover the difference in expenses.
President, Japan Association for African Studies
Shinichi Takeuchi
- The above notice is identical to the enclosed document distributed with Issue 108 (2025) of Journal of African Studies.
The enclosed document file can be downloaded here.