About JSAS
Greetings from the 32nd President
| President, Japanese Society of Animal Science (JSAS) |  |
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Kazuhiro KIKUCHI, Ph.D, D.V.M. |
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| (Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University) | |
Dear JSAS members,
My name is Kazuhiro Kikuchi, and I have been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Governors. I came to Kitasato University this April from the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and continuously National Agriculture and Food Research Organization. I joined this society in 1990. This is my 11th year as a board of governors. During these periods, I have served as editor-in-chief of the official journals and vice president.
As all society members know that this society celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. The commemorative ceremony and lectures were held at Kyoto University and resulted in great success. Many members were enthusiastic in their voices, saying that we should work hard for the 200th anniversary. However, among the board members, including former president, Prof. Ozawa, the voices were a little quieter, saying that we should aim for 110 years at most. This is by no means a modest attitude, as the reality facing this society (and also animal science itself) is not so secure. There are many difficult issues around us. In order to dispel these anxieties, I and other board members this season would like to focus on the following points.
- Dealing with the decline in membership: Due to external factors such as the decline in students due to the declining birthrate and the decline in the numbers of faculties or departments in universities that have “animal science (husbandry)” in their names, and also students moving away from natural science, we are caught in a negative spiral. This situation is not limited to animal science, however, on the other hand, the livestock industry is approaching 40% of Japan's agricultural production, and the export of livestock products is no longer uncommon. I think that the public's interest in animal science is increasing day by day. It is important to consider how to respond to the development of animal science, which is based on the livestock industry. In his inaugural address two years ago, former president Prof. Ozawa gave a warning that "animal science will flourish while the livestock industry will perish." We will continue to recognize the importance of "integration of industry and academia" and respond accordingly.
- Further consolidation of the finances: Last year, we had to reluctantly raise the annual membership fee. Our main purpose was to eliminate the deficit, and although our policy of reducing expenditure remains unchanged, we must strengthen necessary projects. In particular, we will consider some projects that can bring out the potential of students and young scientists, such as subsidies for participation in international scientific conferences.
- The official journals changes: The impact factor of the English journal, Animal Science Journal (ASJ) has been increasing, although it fluctuates slightly from year to year, and it has been recognized now in a certain level among international journals. The number of open access (OA) publications in international journals is increasing, whereas subscriptions by individuals and institutions (libraries) are decreasing. This trend is also seen in ASJ. Based on this situation, we will make a new publishing contract. Instead of abolishing the page charges that authors paid at the time of publication of their articles, we would be compensated with OA royalties from the publisher. This is expected to increase the number of excellent articles submitted and improve the balance of finance around the publication, and it gives high expectations to us. Additionally, please note that the familiar system around submission and peer review will be significantly updated. On the other hand, the Japanese journal, Nihon Chikusan Gakkaiho has been experiencing a sluggish increasing in the number of submissions and publications. Currently, we publish four issues (four times) per year, but we are considering publishing two times per year as combined issues.
After we celebrated our 100th anniversary, JSAS is now expected to undergo major reformation. I would like to ask for your understanding and cooperation in running the Society as a unified team of members, based on constructive discussions with our eyes to the future. Let us work together to advance the development of Japan's livestock industry and animal science.
Sincerely,
April 30, 2025
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.