About JSAS
Greetings from the President
| President, Japanese Society of Animal Science (JSAS) |  |
| Takayuki Ozawa, PhD | |
| (Professor, Faculty of Applied Life Science, School of Animal Science, | |
| Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University) |
Greetings, everyone. I am Takeyuki Ozawa, from Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, and I have been appointed as the 31st President of the JSAS. This society was established in 1924 with the aim of "contributing to the progress and development of animal science and the livestock industry in Japan." The year 2024, during my term of President, will mark the 100th anniversary of its establishment. I am deeply humbled by the responsibility of assuming the position of President, and I will do my utmost to fulfill it.
Over the past three years, the spread of the COVID-19 has had a major impact on the activities of the Society. Conferences and symposiums, which used to be mainly face-to-face meetings, are now being digitized, and online attendance and on-demand auditing are taking place. At the same time, however, under the "with corona" policy, we need to regain our previous lifestyle and revitalize our academic activities, while taking care to prevent disease outbreaks.
In addition, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the sharp yen depreciation have had a major impact on the livestock industry in Japan. We are keenly aware that the mission of the JSAS, which aims to "contribute to the progress and development of the livestock industry," is now being examined.
These are the famous words of Dr. Tokiyoshi Yokoi, the first president of Tokyo University of Agriculture, "Agricultural science flourished, but agricultural industry destroyed". I believe it would not be an exaggeration to say that the current situation in the livestock industry is exactly like this: "Livestock science flourished, but the livestock industry destroyed." Unfortunately, livestock science as an academic discipline and the livestock industry have diverged too much. In addition, I have learned how ineffective I am as a specialist in the field of livestock management. This is why we, the 2,000 members of the JSAS, must now come together as one to confront this crisis and respond to it with the collective wisdom of animal science. To this end, this term's Board of Directors will work closely with industry to achieve "the unification of industry and academia." We look forward to your cooperation.
During the COVID-19 Disaster, the JSAS has also made the "Dictionary of Livestock Science" available as a web database. The Dictionary of Livestock Science is a compilation of knowledge related to livestock science, and is a book to have on hand. Now, the dictionary is freely available on the Web, free of charge, to anyone. We hope you will make use of it.
The Japanese Society of Animal Science is a place for academic research and free and vigorous discussion. We welcome anyone who is interested in this field to join us. Let us work together for the development of Japanese livestock industry.
June 2023
History
In 1924 Japanese Society of Animal Science (JSAS) was established for all the people who are involved in the animal industry in a variety of ways, directly or indirectly. The objective of JSAS is to contribute to advance and growth of animal science and the animal industry of Japan.
JSAS is currently trying to enhance further the activities. For that, we are releasing updates on animal science to the world, building up closer links with organizations concerned in Japan and abroad. The members are attached to a wide range of fields such as industries, governmental agencies and organizations of higher education: administrative organizations, universities, national and prefectural institutes, private companies and extensions, etc.,
In 1999, the present name of the society, "Japanese Society of Animal Science" was adopted in place of former "Japanese Society of Zootechnical Science".
Activities
Promoting studies and diffusing information related to animal science are the principal missions of JSAS. Thus, JSAS has provided a great number of opportunities to reportresearch fruits, and collect or exchange the most up-to-date information, as follows.
To hold scientific meetings for presentation of research findings once or twice a year together with irregular scientific lectures.
To publish official journal, "Animal Science Journal", which consists of 16 issues a year: 12 issues in English and 4 issues in Japanese. Also, other scientific publications are circulated.
To hold international scientific meetings. We believe that this activity has greatly contributed to development of animal science in the world. Main intentional conferences under the auspices of JSAS or jointly organized.
1. The Vth World Conference on Animal Production
Main theme: New Strategies for Improving Animal Production for Human Welfare
Date: August 14-19, 1983 Venue: Tokyo
2. XVIII World's Poultry Congress
Main theme: Strategies for Improving Production for Human Welfare and Development
Date: September 4-9, 1988 Venue: Nagoya
3. The Seventh International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology
Main theme: Physiological Aspects of Digestion and Metabolism in Ruminant
Date: August 27- September 1, 1989 Venue: Sendai
4. The 8th Animal Science Congress of the Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies.
Main theme: Partnership for Sustainable Animal Production and Human Welfare
Date: October 13-18, 1996 Venue: Chiba
Organization
Directors (about 30 including a president, 2 vice-presidents and 5-8 executive directors) are selected biennially. As leaders, they perform their part in making plans for projects and carrying out them.
Executive screening committee settled in the council determines the directors.
Biennially the councilors are selected from the regular members following the necessary procedure, and discuss the important issues of the management.
Both regular members and student members have right to participate in discussion at the general meeting held annually.