JASTJ, the Japanese Association of Science and Technology Journalists, was established in 1994. Science reporters, communicators and media producers were united under the group to share their experiences, to learn about state-of-the-art science and technologies, and to promote science and technology journalism in Japan. It has more than 200 members nationwide as of 2018.
First WCSJ in Tokyo
In 1992, the future founders of JASTJ, a group of science journalists working for newspaper publishing companies and TV stations, organized the First World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) in Tokyo under the sponsorship of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Their concerted efforts made the meeting a great success, with 165 participants from 31 countries. That accomplishment taught the founding members the value and significance of establishing an association of science and technology journalists in Japan. JASTJ was to be born two years later.
Since 2013, JASTJ has been working to strengthen ties between science journalists in Asia.
JASTJ Activities
– Awarding “JASTJ prizes” to individuals or groups who have achieved superior accomplishments in reporting, publishing, or video production on issues pertaining to science and technology
– Offering training courses for would-be science journalists in Tokyo since 2002
– Fulfilling a vital role in the creation of a global alliance. Official member of the WFSJ since its foundation in 2003
– Organizing monthly study sessions to facilitate communication between JASTJ members, scientists and other individuals in the spotlight
– Publishing “JASTJ News,” a quarterly newsletter
The board members meet 10 times a year. An annual general assembly, which doubles as a JASTJ prize awarding ceremony, is held in Tokyo in May. The annual JASTJ budget of ~$30,000 is covered by membership fees and contributions from supporting organizations, of which there are 13 in 2018.
[Contact Address]
President: Toshio SATO (Mr.)
Japanese Association of Science and Technology Journalists
c/o Tokyo University of Science
1-3, Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8601, JAPAN
E-mail: hello@jastj.jp