J-SLA Vision Statement

We hereby establish the Japan Second Language Association (abbreviated: J-SLA) for the express purpose of promoting within Japan the advancement of research into second language development that seeks to elucidate the process of second language acquisition through theoretically grounded analyses of empirical data.

Our approach sees second language acquisition research as a scientific field of study on par with cognitive science, first language acquisition research, and linguistics, one that does not, therefore, depend on whether the findings have a direct application to foreign language education per se. Ascertaining the mechanisms of second language acquisition through a rigorous scientific method will contribute, along with other areas of cognitive science, to our understanding of human cognition.

(English translation of the text adopted at the inaugural conference)

Inaugural Address as President of J-SLA

The Japan Second Language Acquisition Society (J-SLA) was established in 2000 with the mission of elucidating, theoretically and empirically, the mechanisms underlying second language acquisition. Since its establishment, the Society has played a central role in advancing SLA research by refining theoretical frameworks and testing them against empirical data. At this juncture, we are aware of our responsibility to confirm these founding principles and ensure their steady transmission to the next generation.

In recent years, some approaches to SLA research have increasingly extended toward applications in educational practice and toward enhancing its social relevance. While this trend has elevated the field’s recognition in society, it has also, at times, rendered foundational research—research that directly questions the mechanisms of SLA and seeks to clarify them in theory and in empirical evidence—less visible. The importance of applied research and pedagogical practice is beyond question, but J-SLA does not take these as its primary objects of inquiry; rather, we see our distinctive role as providing the theoretical foundations that can serve to underpin them. The researchers J-SLA gathers together share the goal of elucidating the mechanisms operating in second language acquisition; it defines the very raison d’être of our Society.

Several essential principles define SLA research as a foundational discipline. First, research must clearly articulate the theoretical issues it addresses, avoiding “common sense” or vague terminology. Second, given the unique nature of SLA, research should engage in critical discussions examining the validity of empirical methods and research designs. Third, research should foster open, free, and rigorous discussion without presupposing specific applications. We consider these indispensable conditions for the work conducted within J-SLA.

In particular, we aim to create a forum where busy faculty members and researchers can feel that “here, we can engage in frank and substantive theoretical discussions.” We warmly welcome scholars from related fields, including linguistics (e.g., English and Japanese linguistics), first-language acquisition, cognitive psychology, and beyond. The vitality of our Society depends on individuals interested in SLA coming together to engage in dialogue that transcends differences in specialization and academic rank.

At the same time, early-career researchers are indispensable, vibrant members of the Society. J-SLA will continue to promote opportunities for them to present their work and deepen their participation in scholarly discussion. Our Society should not merely be a venue for presenting results but also a place for engaging collaboratively in efforts to advance our shared research interests. When our early-career, mid-career, and senior researchers engage with one another as peers and participate in genuine dialogue on scientific issues, we embody the true value of our academic community.

J-SLA is not a society that aims to follow trends. At the same time, it is not detached from the times. By continually reexamining the value of theoretical and empirical research and refining its precision, we will continue to support the foundations of SLA research.

Let us work together to cultivate J-SLA into an even richer, more vibrant space where we can truly enjoy our research endeavors and continue to advance our field. Through the activities of J-SLA, let us also strive to enhance ourselves as researchers, broaden our perspectives, deepen our thinking, and enrich our creativity.

Shigenori Wakabayashi
President, Japan Second Language Association
Chuo University

Advisory Board

• Shuji Chiba (Tsuda University)

• Kevin R. Gregg (Momoyama Gakuin University)

• Roger Hawkins (University of Essex)

• William O’Grady (University of Hawai’i at Manoa)

• Yukio Otsu (Keio University)

• Bonnie D. Schwartz (University of Hawai’i at Manoa)

• Roumyana Slabakova (University of Southampton)

• Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh)

• Margaret Thomas (Boston College)

• Lydia White (McGill University)

• John N. Williams (University of Cambridge)

• Noriko Yoshimura (University of Shizuoka)

• Boping Yuan (Cambridge University)

• Noriaki Yusa (Miyagi Gakuin Women’s College)

• Michael Harrington (University of Queensland)

• Alan Juffs (University of Pittsburgh)

• Theres Grüter (University of Hawai'i at Mānoa)

Steering Committee

(8th Term: FY2026–FY2027)

President: WAKABAYASHI, Shigenori (Chuo University)

Vice President: YOKOTA, Hideki (Shizuoka University of Art and Culture)

Vice President: OTAKI, Koichi (Chukyo University)

Secretariat: YAMAZAKI, Tae (Komazawa University) 

Accountant:  HOKARI, Tomohiro (Atomi University)

Chief Editor: FUKUTA, Junya (Gakushuin University)

Chairperson of a publicity committee： WAKABAYASHI, Shigenori (Chuo University)

Steering Committee Members:

• AKIMOTO, Takayuki (Kogakuin University)

• FUKUTA, Junya (Gakushuin University)

• GOSS, Seth (Emory University)

• HASHIMOTO, Kenichi (Osaka Kyoiku University)

• HIRAKAWA, Makiko (Chuo University)

• HIRANO, Yohei (Kobe City College of Technology)

• HIROKAWA, Takaaki (University of Fukui)

• HOKARI, Tomohiro (Atomi University)

• KADOTA, Shuhei (Koyasan University)

• KIMURA, Takayuki (Utsunomiya University)

• MATTHEWS, John (Chuo University)

• MINEMI, Itsuki (Chukyo University)

• MIYAO, Mari (Ritsumeikan University)

• NAKAGAWA, Yuya (Mie University)

• NAKANISHI, Hiroshi (Seinan Gakuin University)

• NAKANO, Yoko (Kwansei Gakuin University)

• NAKAYAMA, Mineharu (The Ohio State University)

• NISHIKAWA, Tomomi (Ochanomizu University)

• NOMURA, Jun (Kwansei Gakuin University)

• OGAWA, Mutsumi (Nihon University)

• OHBA, Akari (Yamaguchi University)

• OKUWAKI, Natsumi (Tsuda University)

• ONO, Yuichi (University of Tsukuba)

• OTAKI, Ayano (Shizuoka University)

• OTAKI, Koichi (Chukyo University)

• SHIRAHATA, Tomohiko (The Research Institute of Language Acquisition)

• SHITE, Kazuyuki (Tokyo University of Social Welfare)

• SNAPE, Neal (Gunma Prefectural Women’s University)

• SUZUKI, Kazunori (Josai International University)

• YAMADA, Toshiyuki (Gunma University)

• YAMAGUCHI, Yumiko (Tokai University)

• YAMAZAKI, Tae (Komazawa University)

• YOKOTA, Hideki (Shizuoka University of Art and Culture)

Audit Committee Members:

• KAWASAKI, Manami (Asahi University)

• OKAMURA, Hiromu (University of Shizuoka)