The Past and Future of the Japanese Sociological Review

The Path to Issue 300 and the Latest Trends in Submissions and Peer Review

Abstract

This paper takes the publication of the 300th issue of the Japanese Sociological Review as an opportunity to examine the historical evolution of academic journals, explore trends in peer review and submission data, and foster discussions on the role of academic journals. Section 2 outlines key developments in academic journals, focusing on the relationship between Sociological Studies and Japanese Sociological Review. Section 3 examines the institutionalization of the peer review system within Japanese Sociological Review, with a particular focus on the centrally managed editorial system introduced in 1979. Section 4 presents a comprehensive analysis of peer review and submission trends for Japanese Sociological Review, updating data from 2001 to 2010 as reported in Saito（2012）and incorporating new insights from the subsequent decade（2011-2020）. This analysis reaffirms that Japanese Sociological Review continues to maintain a rigorous and fair peer review system supported by the dedicated efforts of its editorial boards and contributors. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of enhancing the journal's appeal through the active promotion of accurate and transparent information about its processes, thereby encouraging wider participation and fostering closer engagement among members.