The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning (JASAL) is an academic association devoted to promoting self-access language learning in Japan. We aim to provide a forum for our members to disseminate knowledge and share ideas about self-access language learning, running self-access centres and developing learner autonomy. At JASAL, we offer opportunities for professional development and networking, as well as offering our members practical help and support for self-access related projects.
The organization was founded in June 2005 by Garold Murray and Lucy Cooker and as of March 2025 has over 220 members. The Executive Board consists of a president, publicity chair, membership chair, publications chair, events coordinator, and student involvement coordinator, who serve for a 3-year term. Details of the current board are given below. You can also see the members of the Executive Board since JASAL’s inauguration here.
Main activities
1) Conferences & events
From 2006-2014, JASAL organized a Forum devoted to self access, language advising and learner autonomy at the JALT Annual International Conference. In 2015, JASAL organized its first stand-alone conference, JASAL 10th Anniversary Conference. JASAL has continued to hold a National Conference every December, in addition to regional events, workshops, and forums held at other conferences (e.g. ILA2018, JALT PanSIG2017).
We continue to hold such events, and members are invited to present their research and practices through presentations, posters, and discussions.
We also support other self-access events, such as student conferences and regional self-access-related get-togethers.
2) Self-Access Centre/Language Learning Space tours
SAC/LLS tours are a great learning opportunity for JASAL members, as you are able to see a live SAC in operation in an institution other than yours, and to discuss various issues with participants from different institutions.
3) Language Learning Spaces Registry
JASAL has set up a Registry of SACs in Japan, which aims to provide a central database with basic information about the different centres in Japan to facilitate communication and research activities between centres. We aim to have every SAC in Japan represented. You can see the registry here and register your own centre by completing this simple form. You do not need to be a JASAL member to register a SAC.
4) Website
This website is a hub of information for members and non-members alike. We provide information about JASAL, links to publications and resources, and details about upcoming events organized by JASAL. Our Conferences & Events page also provides information, including abstracts, summaries, and slides/pdfs on previous JASAL presentations and events.
5) Discussion Group / Social Media (linktree)
JASAL has a members-only discussion group (run through groups.io) designed to facilitate communication on self-access issues. Members will receive invitations to join. If you are a current member but do not yet have access to the group, please request access by sending an email to JASAL. We also have a Facebook Discussion Group that can be joined here.
Our Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/jasal.org/
Our Twitter/X handle is: @JASALorg
Our Instagram feed is: @jasalorg
Membership
Self-access and language learner autonomy are expanding fields in Japan and around the world. JASAL hopes to help both experienced professionals and those new to the field make connections and develop their practice. Why not join us?
1) No membership fee
There is no fee for being a member of JASAL.
There is usually a fee for attending a conference to cover the costs of that event.
2) Membership Period
We update our membership list every 5 years, by asking current members to re-register. The latest re-registration was in September-October 2024. If you think you may have been removed from our membership list and want to re-register, please send an email to (jasalorgATgmail.com).
Please let us know if you change your address or affiliation, or if you no longer wish to be a member.
3) How to join
It’s free to become a member. Just send an email to (jasalorgATgmail.com) with the following information:
Name, affiliation (and name of SAC/LLS if applicable), and reason for interest in joining JASAL.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our future events, or online in the discussion group.
The Executive Board
Otemon Gakuin University (President)
(Event Co-Coordinator)
Ritsumeikan University
(Vice-President)
(Student Involvement
Co-Coordinator)
Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University
(Membership)
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
(Event Co-Coordinator)
Kyoto Sangyo University (Treasurer)
Reitaku University
(Publicity Co-Chair)
Kanda University of International Studies
(Publicity Co-Chair)
Reitaku University
(Student Involvement
Co-Coordinator)
Bethan Kushida
Kanda University of International Studies
(Publication Co-Chair)
Kanda University of International Studies
(Publication Co-Chair)
Osaka Institute of Technology (Member-at-large)
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
(Member-at-large)
Kanda University of International Studies
(Member-at-large)
Sojo University
(Member-at-Large)
Constitution/Bylaws
Our Constitution and Bylaws.
Financial Reports
Our FY 2023 Financial Report (from 2024 AGM)
Our FY 2022 Financial Report (from 2023 AGM).
Our FY 2021 Financial Report (from 2022 AGM).
Our FY 2020 Financial Report (from 2021 AGM).
Our FY 2019 Financial Report (from 2020 AGM).
Our FY 2018 Financial Report (from 2019 AGM).
Privacy Notice
Please read it here.
Contact Us
If you would like to get in contact with the JASAL board, please do so via email to the following address: jasalorgATgmail.com
If you need to send something by post, please send it to:
Katherine Thornton, Otemon Gakuin University, 1-1 Oda Toshiba-cho, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-8620, Japan.
The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning 
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