JSAC 2026 “Currents of Change: Navigating beyond the Mist”
Call for Papers
Join us for the Japan Studies Association of Canada 2026 Conference in the stunning city of St Catharines, Ontario, in the midst of wine country hosted by Brock University — where academic excellence meets an unforgettable destination experience.
In 2026 the Japan Studies Association of Canada (JSAC) annual conference will be held at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario from October 15th to October 18th. The theme for the conference is “Currents of Change: Navigating Beyond the Mist" reflecting not only the dynamics of change in society and the importance of navigating complex issues but also giving recognition to Niagara’s unique waterways and landscape and its premier attraction of Niagara Falls (and the ‘Mist’ generated by the Falls). Japan, Canada and the world face currents of change including geopolitical pressures and political uncertainty, conflict, economic transformations, changing trade relationships, climate change, environmental degradation, overconsumption, demographic transitions, pressures on culture and identity in a globalised world, concerns over security, and the evolving technological/AI revolution. JSAC is multidisciplinary in nature, and its scholars are also witnessing transformations within their own disciplines as well as in the pedagogy of Japan Studies and the Japanese language. This conference invites scholars of all levels as well as community members, businesses, and partners to generate discussion and ideas on these currents of change and find a way to navigate beyond the mist towards a better understanding of the study of Japan and Japan-Canada relations.
Suggested categories of research topics are, but not limited to, as follows:
- Ageing and Society
- AI and Technology
- Businesses, commerce, and enterprises
- Environmental Science
- Gender and human sexuality
- Geographies, Territories, and land use
- History and contemporary Japan
- Immigration policies and society
- Japanese language and linguistics
- Japanese literature
- Medicine, Health, and well-being
- Multimedia, popular culture, and the digital age
- Philosophies, regions, and ethics
- Politics, policies, and governance
- Regional development
- Rural and urban planning
- Tourism and hospitality
- Other (please specify)
Abstract Submission to JSAC 2026 Conference
All Abstract submissions must be written in English. The primary language of presentation is English. However, presentations may also be made in French or Japanese. In such cases, it is helpful to provide the audience translation to English via slides, handouts, or verbal interpretation arranged by the presenter(s). JSAC cannot provide translation services for presenters or for the audience.
Contributions from individual authors or multiple authors are welcome. Only the corresponding author should make the submission.
Abstract for Oral presentation (due date 15 July) should include:
Submit a proposal that includes a research category (see the above list), name, affiliation along with position*, and email address of the presenter, abstract (max. 300 words) in English and a list of keywords (between 4 and 6).
*Student presenters should identify their program and degree (undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD) along with the name of the institution. Students are most welcome to attend and present at the conference.
Click here for Abstract Template (MS Word)
Template will expand as you type in the box
Abstract for Panel Submissions (due date 30 June)
Submit a panel proposal that includes titles and abstracts (up to 250 words) for both the panel and each individual paper. Provide the names, affiliations along with positions, and email addresses of all participants of the panel. The proposal can include its own chair to facilitate the session, though one is not required. If desired, a discussant can also be included to give comments within their panel’s allotted time.
Abstract for Roundtable Submission (Due date 30 June)
Submit a roundtable proposal that includes a title and abstract (up to 300 words) for the entire roundtable discussion. Provide the names, affiliations along with positions, and email addresses of all participants of the roundtable. The suggested number of roundtable participants is three to four. In the case of a roundtable, we recommend you designate your own chair to facilitate the session. This chair can be selected from among the roundtable participants.
Submissions must be original.
Once the submission is accepted, at least one of the authors must register and present at the conference.
Important dates:
30 June 2026 Deadline for Abstract Submission for Panel and Roundtable
10 July 2026 Deadline for Abstract Submission for Oral Presentation
22 July 2026 Early Bird Registration Deadline
30 September 2026 Latest Notification of Acceptance
07 October 2026 Registration Deadline
All proposals should follow the instructions outlined above and be submitted by the deadlines as an email message or attachment (MS Word file, PDF) to the following email address: JSAC2026@brocku.ca
For queries, please contact: JSAC2026@brocku.ca
Our Partners and Donors
The Japan Foundation
Brock University
Department of Geography and Tourism Studies, Brock University
