Message from the President
Akira Yajima
On April 1, 2026, the Japan Association for Student Success (JASS) was established. This new association represents the next stage in the development of the Japan Association for Developmental Education (JADE), following its official name change.
“Learning support” and “student success” have long been key concepts underpinning the activities of our association, particularly since the presidency of Professor Hirotoshi Tanigawa. To mark the 20th anniversary of the association, we took the opportunity to review our past activities and engage in extensive discussions regarding our future direction. As a result, it was decided that the association would adopt a new name.
Based on the understanding that developmental education is fundamentally a form of learning support, our association has focused on research concerning learning support initiatives aimed at promoting student success for all students as well as on support systems for the faculty
and staff engaged in such efforts. While student success may be narrowly defined as graduation or successful career placement, it also encompasses the many achievements and milestones attained throughout the educational journey. To enable students to continue learning and expand
their potential, a wide range of support initiatives is essential.
Our association seeks to advance research on effective approaches to learning support that promote student success. Through the sharing and dissemination of research findings and practical knowledge, we aim to contribute to the creation of a society in which more learners can
achieve success and realize their full potential.
To this end, the association provides opportunities for sharing and disseminating research outcomes and best practices through the publication of its academic journal, the organization of national and
regional conferences, and the implementation of teaching and learning practice forums. We warmly invite faculty members, educational professionals, and all those involved in higher and secondary education to join JASS and participate in the continued advancement of learning support aimed at fostering student success.