About JSAS

The Japan Spondyloarthritis Society (JSAS) is an academic organization that presents research results on spondyloarthritis (SpA) and related diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS or radiographic axial SpA), psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and SAPHO syndrome, and provides a platform for researchers to communicate and interact each other. The history of JSAS dates back to October 1989, when the late Professor Kanji Shichikawa (Shiga University of Medical Science) established the Japan AS Study Group. The first academic meeting was held in Osaka in 1991. In 2003, the Japan Spondyloarthritis Research Society was established, and the number of participants continued to increase. In 2010, the society name was changed to JSAS.

Treatment for SpA has made great progress in recent years, but as it is a relatively rare disease in Japan, and delayed diagnosis and treatment are not uncommon. The purpose of JSAS is to conduct research on SpA, disseminate knowledge and skills to doctors and medical practitioners involved in SpA, and further develop scientific knowledge to provide benefits to patients. To this end, (1) research and surveys related to SpA, (2) holding annual meetings, conferences, etc., (3) publishing academic journals and other publications, (4) encouraging research and awarding research achievements, (5) Liaison and cooperation with related academic organizations (both domestic and international); (6) Public awareness and dissemination activities regarding SpA.

In 2015, AS was designated as a designated intractable disease by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), Japan, and a MHLW research group (principal investigator: Professor Tetsuya Tomita) was launched in the following year. On the other hand, a multidisciplinary approach is required in the treatment and research of SpA. We are promoting fundamental collaboration with related research groups and other academic societies. Furthermore, we actively engage in disease awareness activities for patients and their families through patient meetings and public seminars.