Analysis of learned society publishing in Japan – Suggestions for improving their presence

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the current status of learned society publishing in Japan. In Journal Citation Reports, the number of journals published by the societies in Japan is more significant than China and South Korea. Among “top journals,” the number of Chinese journals is larger than Japan, and South Korean journals have been demonstrating their strong performance. Some mid-sized Japanese learned societies publish top journals. Major publishing houses partner with most of the top journals. Japanese journals have issues with attracting attention from the global research community. There are challenges for the learned societies such as their membership decline and competition with commercial publishers. Some journals, however, have increased their presence, and their successes provide suggestions for increasing international reputation.