The Japan Association of Arbitrators (JAA)

The aims of the JAA are, in relation to arbitration and other methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR),

1. To foster and train arbitrators, mediators, and other personnel involved in arbitration and dispute resolution,
2. To conduct research on the law and its practice and to devise better procedures, and
3. To encourage arbitration and dispute resolution and to educate the public about those processes by promoting collaboration and cooperation among practitioners, researchers, and other people interested in arbitration and ADR.

The JAA was founded on October 16, 2003. The JAA became an incorporated association on December 5, 2005 and then a public association on January 6, 2014.

A number of arbitration and ADR organizations have been active in Japan, such as the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association, the Japan Shipping Exchange, Inc., and the arbitration centers of each bar association. Recent years, however, more people have become interested in arbitration and ADR.

In regard to creation and improvement of arbitration and ADR laws and regulations, the new Arbitration Act (Law no. 138 of 2003), in compliance with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, came into effect on March 1, 2004. Further, the Act on Promotion of Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (Law no. 151 of 2004), a fundamental law of ADR in Japan, became effective on April 1, 2007.

Within this context, the JAA seeks to share arbitrators and people with an interest in ADR their knowledge and experience and to play a significant role in society as an organization that fosters personnel, conducts research, and encourages arbitration and dispute resolution.