Editorial

The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) was founded in 1976 and cerebrates its 50^th anniversary this year. Over the decades, the society has remained dedicated to promoting, communicating, and advancing both basic and clinical research in foot and ankle disorders. The latest data showed JSSF boasts a membership of over 1,900 physicians, with a particularly remarkable increase among younger generations.

The journal of JSSF has been published since 1980 with the goal of improving and advancing orthopaedic foot and ankle science in Japan. Until now, most articles contributed to the journal were written in Japanese, accompanied by English abstracts. The journal primarily focused on case reports specialized topics, which made it less accessible to many JSSF members who were engaged in daily clinical work. As a result, these members have often submitted their research to other established English-language journals. For several years, JSSF English Journal Committee members, elected from among the members of JSSF, have actively discussed for the further direction of the society’s English-language publication.

The English publication of JSSF has now come to fruition as the Journal of Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Science (JOFAS). For this journal, the JSSF solicits contributions from all sources across the globe. Notably, there is no independent journal on foot and ankle surgery in the Asia-Oceania region yet. In this context, JOFAS aspires to serve as a central platform for Orthopaedic surgeons not only from JSSF, but also from Asia and around the world.

JOFAS is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to the field of foot and ankle surgery. It will be published biannually in the first year, with plans to increase the frequency of publication from the second year. The journal is committed to promoting and disseminating scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and research innovations not only from Japan but all over the world. We welcome submissions review articles, original articles, case reports, technical notes, practical/clinical guidelines, and letters to the editor. The focus is on clinical relevant research in foot and ankle science, covering basic, clinical, and applied studies. Topics of interest also include surgical and non-surgical treatments, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and sport-related injuries. The journal is intended for orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals involved in foot and ankle science and clinical practice. Its goal is to advance knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of foot and ankle conditions by providing a platform for findings and scientific advancements.

As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of JSSF, I personally believe that the inauguration of JOFAS is a significant milestone that we can proudly undertake this year. It is our sincere hope that JOFAS will contribute to the accumulation of groundbreaking scientific evidence and the continued advancement of foot and ankle surgery worldwide, with strong support from the members of JSSF. The noteworthy point that be emphasized is that the publication charges of the articles are waived through the support of JSSF.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to President of JSSF, Prof. Hisateru Niki; Director of JSSF English Journal Committee, Dr. Masato Takao; Chairperson of JSSF English Journal Committee, Dr. Satoshi Kamijo; and the all members of the editorial board, whose untiring efforts have made possible the publication of the JOFAS. We would also like to thank Seekl for this journal.

As readers, authors, reviewers, and contributions, I hope you will join us on this journal.

In conclusion, I look forward to the day when JOFAS contributes to the development of foot and ankle surgery around the world and becomes a top international journal.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest.

Disclaimer

Yoshinori Takakura is the Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Science and on the journal’s Editorial Board. This author was not involved in the editorial evaluation or decision to accept this article for publication at all.