Background
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 since then the BAJS Conference has been an annual event.
From 2010, the BAJS Conference will be held on a tri-annual basis, alternating with the European Association for Japanese Studies and the Joint East Asian Studies Conferences, with opportunities to stage a variety of smaller events during the other two years.
Membership and Council
The Association admits individuals supporting its aims, and has a membership of over two 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.
See Members for further details on membership.
Conferences
Study Groups
See Study Groups
Funding and Prizes
The Association seeks to recognize exceptional academic contributions through the administration of prizes, encourage postgraduate students and emerging academics through funding awards, and to assist members' development through the sponsorship of advanced research projects.
See Funding & Prizes for further information
Representation
The Association's Council tries to keep abreast of opinion on the development of and activity within Japanese Studies and to represent members' opinions to outside bodies.