The European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS) invites bids to host the 19th International EAJS Conference to be held in 2029. EAJS conferences take place every three years and are usually attended by more than 900 scholars from Europe, Japan, the United States, and other countries. The previous in-person conference in Ghent in 2023 was attended by 1122 participants, with 713 papers given during the conference. Bids are geographically limited to European universities. The local organization of the conference must be managed by an institution of Japanese Studies in the country the conference is to be held. Previous EAJS Conferences have taken place in Zurich (1976), Florence (1979), The Hague (1982), Paris (1985), Durham (1988), Berlin (1991), Copenhagen (1994), Budapest (1997), Lahti (2000), Warsaw (2003), Vienna (2005), Lecce (2008), Tallinn (2011), Ljubljana (2014), Lisbon (2017) and Ghent (online 2021 and in person 2023). The next conference will be held in Poznan, Poland from 27-30 August 2026.
The EAJS Council will select the next conference site based on the following set of criteria:
- the presence of Japanese Studies in the country;
- the need to ensure geographic and regional variation in selecting the conference venue among European universities;
- the level of commitment and expertise underlying the proposal, particularly in regards to the financial management;
- the anticipated accomodation fees and related costs;
- ease of communication and transport;
- the possibility of raising funds locally (the main costs of the conference will be covered by participation fees and EAJS funding);
- the appeal of the proposed location as an interesting place to visit.
Expressions of interest should be sent to the EAJS Office (office@eajs.eu) as soon as possible. The office will then send you more detailed information on the conference organization and on how to prepare a bid. It will also support the preparation of your bid whenever necessary, including working out a preliminary budget.
The finalised bid including a statement addressing all aspects mentioned above should be sent to the EAJS Office by 30 June 2026. Please note that the EAJS Council will expect you to present your proposal at the 18th International Conference to be held in Poznan, Poland, 27-30 August 2026.
We look forward to receiving your expressions of interest!